Marathon Game Director Joseph Ziegler Leaves Bungie

There’s another shakeup happening at Bungie, this time near the top of the studio. On Friday, Marathon game director Joseph Ziegler announced that he is leaving Bungie.

His last day is today, July 17.

Ziegler Leaves After Nearly Four Years

Ziegler joined Bungie as game director in December 2022 after spending the prior 12 years with Riot Games. He was brought in to lead the development of Marathon, but will now be leaving for a new opportunity.

“I’ll be heading to something new, somewhere else, and will update you on where and what soon,” he said.

Taking over as game director on Marathon is Del Chafe III. Chafe III has been with Bungie for 15 years and has been the assistant game director on Marathon since April 2024. Also leading Marathon into the future is creative director Julia Nardin.

“Both of them have been operating in a strong leadership capacity for the team and are ready to guide Marathon into the next chapter with an even better and brighter future,” Ziegler said. “I’m proud of them and I’m excited to see them helm the future of this crazy little world we’ve created together.”

Ziegler says that despite his departure, Marathon is in a good place and that there are plenty of updates coming to the game.

“The mission will continue in new and surprising ways so stay tuned for what this team has in store for you!” he said. “It’s been a pleasure seeing all the stories you’ve created, all the clever ways you’ve found ways to murder robots and one another.”

Ziegler leaving the studio comes less than a month after Bungie announced layoffs that impacted at least 300 employees. Even studio head Justin Truman would leave the company.

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