Bungie's Marathon: A Year of Silence, a Promise of Playtests
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 franchise, generated significant excitement but was quickly shrouded in mystery.
Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed community concerns, confirming the game's progress and describing Marathon as Bungie's take on the extraction shooter genre. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, Ziegler confirmed the game is "on track," undergoing substantial revisions based on extensive player testing. He teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities, showcasing early concepts for "Thief" and "Stealth" Runners.
Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a broader player base the chance to experience the game. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist Marathon on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to signal their interest and facilitate future communication.
A Reimagining of a Classic
Marathon reimagines Bungie's 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it's set within the same universe, offering familiar elements for longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. The game is set on Tau Ceti IV, where players, as Runners, compete for alien artifacts and valuable loot, either solo or in teams of three. Competition from rival crews and perilous extractions add to the high-stakes gameplay.
Originally envisioned as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Ziegler hinted at potential additions to modernize the game and introduce a new narrative arc. Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Challenges and Changes
The extended development period was influenced by several factors. In March 2024, the original project lead, Chris Barrett, was reportedly dismissed from Bungie following allegations of misconduct. Joe Ziegler subsequently took over as game director. Furthermore, significant layoffs at Bungie this year likely impacted the development timeline.
Despite the setbacks, the promise of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for fans eagerly awaiting Marathon's release. The developer update suggests that development is progressing, albeit cautiously, with Bungie prioritizing a polished final product before releasing gameplay footage.
