In a shocking development, Bungie has faced yet another scandal, adding to its series of recent troubles, including financial difficulties and staff layoffs.
This time, the controversy centers around Chris Barrett, the former director of the upcoming game Marathon, who was dismissed from his position due to serious allegations of misconduct.
The Allegations
The allegations against Chris Barrett, a veteran of Bungie with a background in Halo and Destiny, were uncovered by Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier. According to an internal investigation at Bungie:
- Accusations of Misconduct: At least eight female employees, who chose to remain anonymous, accused Barrett of inappropriate behavior and harassment.
- Abuse of Power: Barrett reportedly attempted to leverage his influence to coerce female staff into complying with his demands, promising them better job positions within the company.
Company Response
The company has responded to the scandal with a statement from a Sony spokesperson, given Bungie’s recent acquisition by Sony:
- Commitment to Investigations: “We take all misconduct allegations very seriously. It is our policy and practice to investigate every complaint promptly and take action based on our findings.”
- Discreet Handling: The situation was reportedly handled discreetly within Bungie. The official communication to the Marathon team was that Barrett had taken a sabbatical, with no further details provided.
Implications for Bungie and the Industry
This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Bungie’s internal practices and the broader gaming industry:
- Industry-Wide Concerns: Bungie joins other companies under fire for workplace misconduct, highlighting a pressing need for systemic change within the industry.
- Impact on Marathon: The departure of Barrett could affect the development of Marathon, a highly anticipated title from the studio.
Conclusion
The firing of Chris Barrett from Bungie reveals deeper issues within the company’s culture and practices. As the gaming industry continues to grapple with similar scandals, it is crucial for companies to address these issues transparently and take meaningful action to prevent future occurrences.
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