Buckle up, gaming enthusiasts—there's a storm of excitement on the horizon! Joseph Cross, the mastermind art director behind Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter 'Marathon,' is moving on, just a few short months before the game gears up for its explosive March 2026 release!
Cross’s departure sent ripples through the gaming world this week after he updated his LinkedIn and social media profiles, igniting rampant speculation. Confirming the news to Kotaku, Cross emphasized it was a decision of sheer tenacity and pride. "I’m super proud of the project and what the team accomplished over the last six years," he proclaimed, reflecting fondly on his creative journey.
Diving back into the creative waters of Bungie in 2020 after shaping worlds in 'Destiny,' Cross channeled his visionary prowess into 'Marathon,' crafting an art style that could redefine what gamers expect from the genre. With its audacious aesthetic, known as 'graphic realism,' this title is shaping to be one of Bungie's most daring visual undertakings to date.
But not everything has been smooth sailing—earlier this year, 'Marathon' found itself caught in a tempest of controversy when graphic artist Antireal accused Bungie of art theft in a bombshell post on X. The storm has since calmed, with issues resolved amicably, but it marked a bumpy path for what promises to be a mesmerizing trek into visual invention.
Amidst the swirling chaos, Cross posted on X, sharing his continued alum-like pride for the project. "Getting support at this scale for something a bit different is rare, and the art team at Bungie is the best in the biz," he said. "I'll be enjoying playing the game as a fan with all of you."
March 2026 will be here before you know it, dropping 'Marathon' like a bombshell at a sweet $40 launch price for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X players. Ready your gear; this is one gaming extravaganza you won’t want to miss!