Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally breaks its year-long silence with a developer update. Initially revealed at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has been shrouded in mystery until now.
Marathon: A 2025 Playtest Target
Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed the game's progress, stating it's "on track" despite significant internal changes based on extensive player testing. While gameplay footage remains elusive, Ziegler teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," with two examples showcased: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles.
Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a wider player base the chance to experience Marathon. Ziegler encourages players to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to signal interest and facilitate future communication regarding playtest opportunities.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
Marathon reimagines Bungie's 90s trilogy, offering a modern take on the extraction shooter genre without requiring prior knowledge of the original series. Set on Tau Ceti IV, players (Runners) compete for valuable alien artifacts, either solo or in teams of three, facing both environmental challenges and rival crews.
Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience with no single-player campaign, Ziegler's update hints at potential narrative expansions and ongoing updates post-launch. Cross-play and cross-save functionality will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Behind the Scenes Challenges
The development journey has faced hurdles. The departure of original project lead Chris Barrett in March 2024, coupled with significant staff reductions at Bungie, undoubtedly impacted the timeline. However, Ziegler's update suggests that the project remains on track, albeit with a revised roadmap.
While a release date remains unannounced, the promise of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for eager fans. The future of Marathon, though delayed, appears brighter following this long-awaited update.
