Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally breaks its year-long silence with a developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game, a revival of Bungie's pre-Halo legacy, has been shrouded in mystery until now.
Playtests Planned for 2025 – Release Date Still Undisclosed
Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed the game's progress, describing significant changes implemented after extensive playtesting. While gameplay footage remains under wraps, Ziegler revealed a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," with at least two confirmed: "Thief" and "Stealth." Their names, he hinted, suggest their respective playstyles.
Expanded playtests are slated for 2025, offering a broader player base the chance to participate. Ziegler urged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate future communication.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Universe
Marathon reimagines Bungie's 1990s trilogy, offering a new entry point for newcomers while including nods to the original games for longtime fans. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game centers around high-stakes artifact extraction, pitting players (either solo or in teams of three) against rival crews and environmental hazards. Originally envisioned as purely PvP, with no single-player campaign, Ziegler hints at potential evolutions to the game's narrative and world.
Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Challenges Faced During Development
The development journey hasn't been without its hurdles. The departure of original project lead Chris Barrett in March 2024, following allegations of misconduct, and subsequent company-wide layoffs significantly impacted the team and timeline. Despite these challenges, Ziegler's update suggests the project remains on track, albeit with a revised roadmap. The 2025 playtests offer a beacon of hope for fans eagerly awaiting Marathon's release.
