Bungie's Marathon: A Year of Silence Broken, Playtests Planned for 2025
After a year of radio silence, Bungie’s upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally received a much-anticipated developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game, a revival of Bungie's pre-Halo IP, generated significant excitement but quickly faded into obscurity.
Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed the community, confirming the game's ongoing development and emphasizing substantial changes implemented based on extensive player testing. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, Ziegler confirmed a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles.
Expanded playtests are scheduled for 2025, offering a broader player base the opportunity to participate. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate communication regarding future updates.
A Fresh Take on a Classic: Marathon's Vision
Marathon reimagines Bungie's 1990s trilogy, offering a modern take within the same universe. While not a direct sequel, it incorporates familiar elements for longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game casts players as Runners competing for alien artifacts and valuable loot in high-stakes extraction matches. Players can team up or go solo, but face the constant threat of rival crews or perilous last-second extractions.
Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Ziegler's update suggests potential additions to modernize the gameplay and narrative. The game is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality.
Navigating Challenges: Leadership Changes and Layoffs
The extended development period is partly attributed to a leadership change following the departure of original project lead Chris Barrett in March 2024, and significant layoffs affecting approximately 17% of Bungie's workforce. These events undoubtedly impacted development timelines.
Despite the setbacks, the planned 2025 playtests offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that development is progressing, albeit cautiously. The lack of gameplay footage underscores Bungie's commitment to delivering a polished final product.
