Marathon recreation director Joseph Ziegler has introduced he’s leaving Bungie.
The challenge lead, who has been with the corporate since December 2022, printed a press release relating to his departure on X/Twitter. Ziegler mentioned that as we speak, July 17, 2026, is his final day overseeing Sony’s extraction shooter, with assistant recreation director Del Chafe III, who will “information the sport ahead alongside inventive director Julia Nardin,” stepping in as his substitute.
“Each of them have been working in a powerful management capability for the group and are able to information Marathon into the subsequent chapter with an excellent higher and brighter future,” he mentioned. “I am happy with them and I am excited to see them helm the way forward for this loopy little world we have created collectively.”
Zielger didn’t clarify the reasoning for his choice however promised he is heading “to one thing new, elsewhere,” promising to disclose extra “quickly.” It is unknown how this will likely have an effect on Marathon growth because it continues via Season 2 and nearer to the launch of Season 3 this September.
“I simply need to say a deeply heartfelt thanks to all of you for supporting me and Marathon in our windy mission to deliver a darkish and terrifying house survival frontier to your display screen,” Zielger added. “The mission will proceed in new and shocking methods so keep tuned for what this group has in retailer for you! It has been a pleasure seeing all of the tales you have created, all of the intelligent methods you have discovered methods to homicide robots and each other.
“Hopefully as I transfer onto new issues, you will be a part of me for these adventures as nicely. A lot like to the Marathon group and to all my pals and colleagues at Bungie. Could we cross paths once more. Maintain it bizarre, preserve it actual <3.”
Regardless of a gaggle of devoted followers sticking with Marathon since its March 2026 launch, it has been a tough few months for the sport. In Could, Sony reported a $765 million impairment loss tied to Bungie’s underperformance. Even because the studio has teased large concepts for the longer term and plans for story content material for “the subsequent few years,” many on-line have been fast to write down off the extraction shooter, partially on account of its proximity to the announcement that Future 2 assist had come to an finish.
Sony introduced “vital” layoffs for Bungie final month, saying on the time that the cuts impacted “a lot of the Future group and a few Marathon group members.” It was a transfer that reportedly affected practically 300 employees at its Bellevue, Washington location alone. Final week, Sony settled a lawsuit with former Marathon recreation director Christopher Barrett, who was fired following accusations of sexual misconduct.
IGN known as Marathon “Superb” in our 9/10 evaluation. For extra whereas we wait to see what its future holds, you’ll be able to see why one former Future group supervisor is pushing Bungie followers to assist the sci-fi shooter.
Michael Cripe is a contract author with IGN. He is finest identified for his work at websites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Remember to give him a observe on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).