Former Marathon Game Director Didn’t Just Leave Bungie In March, A Report Alleges He Was Fired For Misconduct

If, when the news broke back in March, you were wondering why Bungie executive and Marathon Game Director Chris Barrett left the company, it seems we now have an answer. He didn’t just quit, but was fired following accusations of inappropriate behavior from female staff.

According to a report on Bloomberg (possible paywall), at least eight women reported Barrett’s conduct. Those familiar with the situation told the news outlet that Barrett would send women flirtatious messages and make unwanted advances such as calling lower-level female employees attractive or asking them to play truth or dare. He reportedly also alluded to helping them advance at the company.

Following an investigation, Bungie reportedly fired Barrett, although staff were not told why he left the company. Bloomberg notes that the company told the Marathon team that he was on a sabbatical. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reports seeing texts of the alleged, behavior but declined to share them publicly to avoid exposing the identity of accusers.

For his part, Barrett offered Bloomberg a statement apologizing and saying that he believed he “always conducted [himself] with integrity and been respectful and supportive of [his] colleagues.” He went on to note that he didn’t see his “communications to be unwanted” nor would he have thought they’d make people uncomfortable.

Sony declined to comment to Bloomberg on this specific situation but did state that they take, "all complaints of misconduct very seriously. It is our policy and practice to investigate every complaint promptly and take action based on the findings of our investigation.”