Well, it appears that the artistic spirit of Marathon has decided to go on a grand adventure, leaving Bungie behind. Not surprisingly, the game is still primed for release in the grandeur of March 2026, leaving plenty of time for speculation and bathroom breaks.
Who Needs to Work on a Game Anyway?
Enter Joseph Cross, the soon-to-be former senior art director of this illustrious project. The eagle-eyed folks at The Game Post noticed a curious little change on Cross’s LinkedIn. Instead of the expected “March 2018 – present,” the page mysteriously proclaimed “March 2018 – 2025.” Yes, folks, one can only wonder what it’s like to project into the future so confidently!
But it didn’t stop there! His X profile bio, once boasting “Franchise art director, Marathon @ Bungie,” now reads more like a theme park brochure: “Art director and artist – Marathon, Dune, Destiny.” Looks like a career shift is in the air! Was it a mid-life crisis or just an artistic renaissance? The world may never know.
Speculation and Confirmations
This little sleight of profession led to quite a cascade of speculation about whether Cross had pulled a Houdini and left Bungie at some undisclosed moment this year. Kotaku, naturally feeling the FOMO, decided to give him a shout. And guess what? Cross confirmed the rumors. He stated, “I’m super proud of the project and what the team accomplished over the last six years.” Six whole years! That’s longer than most reality TV relationships!
Delays, Art Theft, and Designer Drama
Now, let’s talk delay! Originally slated for a release date that seemed suspiciously optimistic at September 23, Bungie announced in June that it needed some extra time to finesse the game. They cited mixed feedback from players who participated in alpha tests. You know, the kind of feedback that leaves developers reconsidering their life choices. Oh yes, there was also a spicier side story about some “borrowed” artwork that inadvertently crept into the test builds. An awkward disclaimer might have been nice!
Earlier this month, Scottish artist Fern ‘4nt1r34l’ Hook, who highlighted that a few of her art pieces were enjoying an unapproved cameo in Marathon, revealed that the situation had been “resolved with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment to my satisfaction.” Whew! Nothing says “artistic integrity” like a last-minute resolution.
Ready or Not, Here Comes Marathon!
Fast forward to Monday when Bungie crafted a grand announcement that Marathon is set to hit the shelves in March 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and, of course, PC—because what’s a game without a keyboard-mashing, snack-gobbling audience? The thrilling price tag? A modest $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99. A small price to pay for a potentially smooth experience… or at least one that isn’t based around stolen art.
In a dazzling promise, Bungie claimed that Marathon will be devoid of those nefarious pay-to-win shenanigans. Gamers everywhere can expect access to all gameplay updates—maps, Runner shells, events, and more! Picture a reward pass that won’t expire. A lifetime supply of goodies without the looming shadow of a digital clock? Count those lucky ducks in!
