Bungie veteran Christopher Barrett, previously a game director known for his significant contributions to titles such as Marathon, Destiny, and Halo, has taken legal action against the studio. The lawsuit asserts that Barrett was in line for a substantial payout following Bungie’s acquisition by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2022, a transaction valued at $3.6 billion.
In a formal complaint filed against both Sony and Bungie, Barrett presents his case, claiming breach of contract and defamation. He describes the investigation that resulted in his firing earlier this year as a “sham.”Barrett’s employment, which spanned 25 years, ended in April 2024 after allegations surfaced regarding inappropriate behavior with female colleagues.
Ex-Bungie Developer Reportedly Lost Millions Due to Dismissal
The lawsuit brought by ex-Bungie dev Chris Barrett against Sony/Bungie for breach of contract & defamation includes an incredible document Shows he was set to make $84 million from Sony’s $3.6b purchase of Bungie– $35m paid at closing– $45m still due had he not been fired pic.twitter.com/iDa1xj7RBq
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) December 18, 2024
According to a report from Gamefile, Barrett calls for a reassessment of the studio’s investigation into the allegations against him. He also referenced an Equity Report from 2022, highlighting the potential financial loss he faced as a result of his termination. The document reveals that Barrett was poised to earn $84 million from the acquisition deal—$35 million was already disbursed, with an additional $45 million destined for him had he remained employed.
This situation presents a stark contrast to Bungie’s current challenges. In 2024, the studio faced significant layoffs attributed to “rising costs of development”and evolving industry conditions. Certain Bungie employees have been transitioned to a new studio under Sony to engage in an incubation project.
The release of Destiny 2’s Final Shape expansion in June 2024 was met with acclaim, being hailed as one of the best additions to the franchise. However, it was soon followed by additional layoffs, raising concerns about the studio’s internal stability.
Before his departure, Barrett was leading the development of Marathon, a player-versus-player shooter aimed at revitalizing a classic Bungie franchise. Recent reports indicate that the game has shifted its design focus from an extraction shooter to a hero shooter, a change driven by unfavorable feedback during playtests last year.
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