VentureBeat reports that Chris Barrett has filed a lawsuit against Bungie its owner Sony, accusing his former employers of firing him under false pretenses to avoid a $45 million payout to which he was entitled. He was fired in March while serving as Game Director on the Marathon revival, and in August Bloomberg reported this dismissal was allegedly over inappropriate behavior by multiple female colleagues. According to IGN the ask is over $200 million: "The 81-page lawsuit lays out seven counts against Bungie and SIE, including Family and Medical Leave Act [FMLA] retaliation, defamation, and breach of contract. Barrett is seeking at least $100 million in defamation damages in addition to more than $90 million for money owed under retention agreements, alleged Washington Rebate Act [WRA] violations, and other compensation." Barrett lays out his case in this post on X:

The past nine months following my departure from Bungie have been very difficult and painful for me as I've had to endure rampant speculation, unfounded attacks on my reputation, and innuendo about what happened behind the scenes to cause me to be fired after 25 years of loyal service. I want to thank everyone who has been there for me.

I've eagerly awaited the opportunity to get the truth out there and tell my side of the story, and now is that time. Today, I filed a lawsuit against Sony and Bungie to hold them accountable for their conduct and the damage that has been done to my reputation and my career.

I am confident that the facts are on my side and look forward to clearing my name through the legal process. Because this is a pending legal matter, there is nothing else I can say about it at this time.