It’s not every day that a billion-dollar studio gets caught red-handed, but here we are.

Recently, an independent artist named Fern Hook, better known online as @4nt1r34l, called out Bungie (the powerhouse behind Halo and Destiny) for stealing designs in their video game. The art in question was allegedly used in several level designs for Bungie’s upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon. What started as a single post exploded across social media, racking up over 10 million views and igniting a wildfire of criticism from the art and gaming communities.

Now, normally when stuff like this hits the internet, companies do damage control, deny everything, and hope the storm passes. But not this time. Bungie actually admitted to using Fern’s artwork without permission, stating that the image made it into official materials due to a single employee’s “unfortunate decision.” According to Bungie, that employee has since been let go, and they’ve pledged to reevaluate their content pipelines to prevent this from happening again. But for many fans, the apology feels a little too late. “If you go looking through her portfolio, it becomes apparent VERY quickly that the entire design aesthetic of Marathon was pulled directly from her work,” said OnepegMG. “This is so bad for that game that was already having negative sentiment in the community. Might be dead on arrival,” said James from JGODYT.

First impressions are lasting impressions, and let’s be honest, this is not the way you want to introduce a new game. Marathon is supposed to be Bungie’s big return to sci-fi PvP, a spiritual successor that’s meant to carry the torch forward. But now, it’s carrying controversy before it even has a release date.

For indie artists like Fern Hook, this situation is sadly all too familiar. Big studios profiting off the work of small creators without credit or compensation has become a pattern, and people are getting sick of it. Fans aren’t just mad about the theft, they’re disappointed in Bungie. This is a company that used to set industry standards, and now it’s setting the wrong kind of example.

As for Fern, her response has been calm but firm. She’s spoken out on social media, thanking supporters and calling for stronger protections for artists. And honestly? She’s right to do so.

Gamers have long memories. Bungie might move on, but the community won’t forget. And neither will the artists they hurt.