Bungie confirmed in May 2025 that unauthorized artist decals made it into Marathon on a texture sheet submitted by a former Bungie artist. Independent artist Fern Hook, who publishes as Antireal, had said the game’s alpha used material from her 2017 poster designs. Those accounts are related but not identical: Bungie confirmed unauthorized decals in-game, while Hook described a broader use of her work.
What Bungie confirmed—and what Hook alleged
Hook posted comparisons on May 15, 2025, saying that environments in Marathon’s recently released alpha were “covered with assets lifted from poster designs I made in 2017.” The Washington Post reported that she had noticed similar visual elements in gameplay videos and that examples of her iconography and typography had been available online since 2017. The Washington Post’s account describes Hook’s allegation; it does not establish the full scope of material used.
Bungie’s Marathon team said it investigated and confirmed that a former Bungie artist had included unauthorized decals in a texture sheet that ultimately appeared in the game. Bungie said its existing art team did not know about the issue and that it was still reviewing how the oversight occurred. Its public confirmation was specific to the decals and texture sheet; it did not identify the former artist or state that person’s intent. GameSpot reported Bungie’s statement, as did Game Informer.
How Bungie said it would respond
Bungie said it had contacted Hook and was committed to doing right by her. The studio also said it would review the game’s assets, with particular attention to assets associated with the former artist, and introduce stricter checks to document artists’ contributions. In the Washington Post’s May 2025 report, Hook said pursuing a legal case in the United States would take time and money she did not have. That was her explanation of her circumstances, not a court finding.
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Hook later said the issue was resolved
On December 2, 2025, Hook said the art issue had been resolved with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment “to my satisfaction.” PC Gamer reported her statement. The terms were not disclosed in the reporting reviewed here, so no particular payment or other condition can be established.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Hook’s credit in the released game
On March 6, 2026, GameSpot reported that Hook appeared in Marathon’s credits as a Visual Design Consultant. The report said the game launched on March 5 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. GameSpot’s report on the credit does not disclose the resolution’s terms.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Four-player madness! - You can't spell Nippon Marathon without 'P', 'A', 'R', 'T' and *checks letters* 'I', we suppose… Solo play is supported, but grab up to four pads and enjoy the supreme silliness of gaming's greatest marathon.
- See all of Japan! - Cross the entirety of the land of Nippon in a series of creative courses spanning busy city streets, village lanes, bustling markets & more!
- Wacky characters! - Go toe-to-toe with some of the coolest contestants who ever did, er… contest! Lobster-man J DARWIN, onesie-obsessive Elizabeth Nishibori, school uniform fan Zenbei "Xen Bae" and the completely normal Snuguru Maestro Epic pratfalls! - Swinging poles! Giant face-slapping fish! Cyclists! Shiba Inu! Panes of glass! Traffic! False doors! Barrels! Rolling beams! Wobbly planks! Flying fruit! More Shiba Inu! EARTHQUAKES!!!!!
- Tons of surprises! - You never know what will happen next in Nippon Marathon. Perhaps you'll find time for an impromptu spot of slot machine fun? Maybe a news anchor will jetpack in to interview you on the racetrack? Heck, anything is possible…
- Drop-in/drop-out play! - Random pedestrian passing by your couch and wants to play? Not a problem. Whatever the cause, hop in and out for the ultimate, flexible party get-together!
Rank #2
- Four-player madness! - you can't spell Nippon marathon without 'P', 'a', 'R', 'T' And *checks letters* 'I', we suppose... Solo play is supported, but grab up to four pads and enjoy the supreme Silliness of gaming's greatest marathon.
- see all of Japan! - Cross the entirety of the land of Nippon in a series of creative courses spanning busy city streets, village lanes, bustling markets & More! Wacky characters! - Go toe-to-toe with some of the coolest contestants who ever did, player... Contest! Lobster-man J Darwin, onesie-obsessive Elizabeth nishibori, school uniform fan zenbei "xen bae" And the completely normal snuguru Maestro
- epic pratfalls! - swinging poles! Giant face-slapping fish! Cyclists! Shiba Inu! Panes of glass! Traffic! False doors! Barrels! Rolling Beams! Wobbly planks! Flying fruit! More Shiba Inu! Earthquakes!!!!!
- tons of surprises! - you never know what will happen next in Nippon marathon. Perhaps you'll find time for an impromptu spot of slot machine fun Maybe a news anchor will Jet Pack in to Interview you on the racetrack Heck, anything is possible...
- drop-in/drop-out play! - random pedestrian passing by your couch and wants to play Not a problem. Whatever the cause, Hop in and out for the ultimate, flexible party get-together!
What the public record does not establish
- How many pieces or designs were used, beyond Bungie’s confirmation about unauthorized decals on a texture sheet.
- The former artist’s identity or intent.
- A court judgment or the financial terms of the resolution.
- Whether Bungie later published details of the promised asset-review and documentation changes.
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