Joseph Ziegler Exits Bungie; Del Chafe III Leads Marathon

Marathon project director Joseph Ziegler has announced he is leaving Bungie, with July 17, 2026 set as his final day overseeing the Sony extraction shooter. Ziegler said Del Chafe III will step in to guide the game forward alongside creative director Julia Nardin.

Quick facts

Joseph Ziegler is leaving Bungie after serving as Marathon project lead since December 2022.
His last day is July 17, 2026.
Del Chafe III will replace him, working with creative director Julia Nardin.
Ziegler did not share a reason for his departure, saying he’s going “to something new, somewhere else.”
Marathon is continuing through Season 2 and is approaching Season 3 launch in September.

Ziegler posted his departure announcement on X/Twitter, describing the transition as a handoff to leaders already operating in major roles on the team. He praised Chafe and Nardin for being ready to “guide the game into the next chapter,” and said he’s excited to see them take Marathon forward.

In his statement, Ziegler said he would reveal more about his next steps “soon,” but offered no further details on why he chose to step away. He also thanked Marathon supporters for backing him and the team, framing the project as a “dark and terrifying” space survival experience.

Ziegler’s message to the community included an assurance that the mission would continue in “new and surprising ways,” urging players to stay tuned for what the team has planned. He added personal thanks to Bungie colleagues and the Marathon community, ending with a request to “keep it weird” and “keep it real.”

What this could mean for Marathon’s next seasons

How the leadership change will affect Marathon’s development remains unclear as the game moves through Season 2 and heads toward the Season 3 launch planned for September. Ziegler’s departure comes during a period of broader company pressure and shifting priorities reported around Bungie.

In May 2026, Sony disclosed a $765 million impairment loss tied to Bungie’s underperformance. Sony also reported “significant” layoffs last month, stating that the cuts affected “most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members,” with nearly 300 employees reportedly impacted at Bungie’s Bellevue, Washington location alone.

Separately, Sony reached a settlement with former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett after a lawsuit tied to allegations of sexual misconduct. Against this backdrop, Marathon’s reception has remained mixed in public discussion despite earlier positive review coverage, with the game receiving a 9/10 review described as “Amazing.”