Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment have reached a resolution regarding a plagiarism controversy that impacted the development of the highly anticipated game, Marathon. The dispute arose when artist Fern Hook, known online as “Antireal,” accused Bungie of using her artwork without appropriate attribution in the game’s alpha version. Following negotiations, Hook announced on X that her concerns had been addressed to her “satisfaction.”
The distinctive art style of Marathon has garnered attention, but the controversy centered on specific assets and textures that Hook claimed were taken from her portfolio. Bungie acknowledged these claims, confirming that an investigation was underway, with intentions to discuss the matter directly with Hook.
While the details of the agreement between Bungie, Sony, and Hook remain undisclosed, the resolution appears to have alleviated any remaining issues. As a result of this controversy, Bungie postponed Marathon’s initial launch from September 2025 to allow time for these matters to be settled.
Future of Marathon and Developer Performance
In conjunction with this resolution, Bungie conducted closed playtests of an updated version of Marathon in October 2025. Following these playtests, Sony’s earnings report in November revealed plans for the game to officially launch by March 2026. This marks a significant moment for Bungie, as Marathon is a reimagining of a classic franchise and represents the developer’s first new release since Destiny 2 debuted in 2017.
Given the heightened scrutiny of Bungie’s performance by Sony, resolving this plagiarism issue is a crucial step. It not only mitigates potential setbacks for the game’s release but also positions Marathon to enter the market with a clearer path. The development team is now focused on delivering a polished experience that aligns with the expectations of players and stakeholders alike.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates Marathon’s debut, the resolution of the plagiarism dispute underscores the importance of intellectual property rights in the creative industries. With the controversy behind them, Bungie aims to channel its efforts into creating a game that resonates with its audience while honoring the contributions of all artists involved.
