With all the controversy surrounding Bungie’s Marathon, which still doesn’t have a release date after its last delay, it’s surprising that it took this long for the gorgeous cinematic short to be affected. Directed by Alberto Mielgo of Love, Death, and Robots fame, it was easily the highlight of the extraction shooter’s reveal. Now, however, it’s facing accusations of using generative AI.
Mielgo responded to this on Instagram, “I can’t believe we’ve reached a point where I have to clarify this, but here it goes: this is not AI. HELLO. Everything you see in this film: paintings, animations, 2D and 3D work, compositing, and renders is done with a huge team — 155 incredible people and hell of hours, days, months… Yes, our Achilles’ heel: time.”
As for this opinion on the technology, Mielgo said he, honestly, has “no idea.” “But one thing is certain: AI will never take away my (your) urge or joy for making art and painting. That part will never be replaced.”
Such accusations emerge in the wake of more gaming companies embracing the technology. The latest is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which recently faced criticism from US Congressman Ro Khanna. “Artists at these companies need to have a say in how AI is deployed. They should share in the profits. And there should be a tax on mass displacement.”
While Marathon itself doesn’t seem to employ AI-generated content, it was roundly criticized for stealing assets from an independent artist (which Bungie blamed on an ex-employee). There will apparently be a release date update sometime this Fall, but as far as its parent company, Sony, is concerned, it should launch by March 31st, 2026.
It’s interesting to see the ongoing discussions around Bungie’s Marathon and the director’s clarification about the project’s nature. The anticipation for its release continues to grow, and it’s great to hear the creative team’s perspective amidst the debates.
Absolutely! The director’s response really highlights the creative challenges in the gaming industry today. It’s fascinating how much scrutiny projects like Marathon face, especially with the rising concerns about AI in creative processes.
I agree! It’s fascinating how directors must constantly defend their creative choices, especially in a landscape where technology like AI is becoming so prevalent. This situation really underscores the importance of human creativity in storytelling, even amidst evolving tech.
the age of AI and digital media. It’s really important for artists to clarify their vision and maintain authenticity in their work. The ongoing debate highlights how much trust audiences place in the creative process, which is crucial for building a connection with viewers.
I completely agree! Clear communication is essential, especially in such a rapidly evolving landscape. It’s interesting to see how directors are navigating these changes while still trying to maintain their artistic integrity. This situation could set a precedent for how creators address similar issues in the future.
Absolutely, clear communication really helps in building trust with the audience. It’s interesting how the debate over AI’s role in creative processes continues to shape perceptions of projects like this. Transparency from developers can really set the tone for fan expectations.
I completely agree! Clear communication is essential for maintaining trust, especially in such a high-profile project. It’s also fascinating how the debate around AI in creative processes is shaping expectations for future developments in the industry.