Bungie fired Chris Barrett, the former director of its upcoming game “Marathon,” following multiple allegations of misconduct by female employees. This decision came after an internal investigation at the game development studio, according to a Bloomberg report.
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
At least eight women came forward, accusing Barrett of inappropriate behavior, including calling lower-level female employees attractive and suggesting they play truth-or-dare. Barrett also allegedly sent numerous text messages that blurred the lines between professional and personal boundaries, making references to his wealth and influence at Bungie to imply he could advance their careers.
Barrett, who had worked on major projects like Halo and Destiny, was reportedly dismissed earlier this year, though initially, employees were told he was on sabbatical. His accounts were later disabled, leading some to suspect a different reason for his absence.
In a statement to Bloomberg, Barrett responded to the allegations, saying, “I feel that I have always conducted myself with integrity and been respectful and supportive of my colleagues. If anyone ever felt uncomfortable, I am truly sorry.”
Bungie had since replaced Barrett with former “Valorant” director Joe Ziegler to lead the “Marathon” project. The studio, which recently underwent significant layoffs, continued to face internal challenges, including addressing workplace misconduct and managing ongoing game development projects.
