Bungie found itself at the centre of a scandal recently, when it was revealed that art was used in Marathon that appeared to have been lifted from the work of an independent artist. The artist, ‘N2’, explained how ‘huge companies’ regularly ‘parasite’ her designs while she ‘struggles to make a living.’
Hours after the claims hit the net, Bungie responded, explaining that the blame lands at the feet of a ‘former artist’ who used the art in a texture sheet that found its way into the game.
Check out the full statement below.
‘Committed To Do Right’
In a statement on social media, Bungie wrote:
We immediately investigated a concern regarding unauthorized use of artist decals in Marathon and confirmed that a former Bungie artist included these in a texture sheet that was ultimately used in-game.
This issue was unknown by our existing art team, and we are still reviewing how this oversight occurred. We take matters like this very seriously. We have reached out to @4nt1r34l to discuss this issue and are committed to do right by the artist.
As a matter of policy, we do not use the work of artists without their permission.
To prevent similar issues in the future, we are conducting a thorough review of our in-game assets, specifically those done by the former Bungie artist, and implementing stricter checks to document all artist contributions.
We value the creativity and dedication of all artists who contribute to our games, and we are committed to doing right by them. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Some critics were sceptical, claiming that Marathon’s artists have been following the impacted artist on the app where the textures were found. One user dug a little deeper and found more references to art that appears to have been lifted from her ‘entire portfolio.’
This is far from the first time that developers have been accused of plagiarism in their game. Last year, I covered a hot debate between the creators of Escape from Tarkov and the team making Arena Breakout Infinite. It was claimed by the studio head leading Tarkov that ABI’s team had blatantly plagiarised assets between the games.
What do you think Bungie should do in the way of reparations? Let me know on the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Jade Raymond has left Haven Studios
Grant's adoration for gaming started on the Amstrad CPC in 1996. Now, he's a multi-platform expert gamer with a deep love for the industry, a passion for esports, and more…
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This isn’t the first time this happened there though is it?
Getting caught again, shameful. Who knows how many more assets are lifted from actual artists. They spend too much time on politics when they should be spending that time making an actual game, not lifting bits and pieces without consent. Talentless cowards. Bungie won’t be getting any money from me, that’s for sure. Long live indie games!