Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will be a premium title. Dive into the details below to discover more about Marathon's pricing strategy and why the developers have chosen to forego proximity chat.
Marathon Development Updates
Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play
Marathon's director has officially confirmed that the game will not follow the free-to-play model, but instead, it will be a premium title. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, Bungie, the developer behind Marathon, unveiled the game's release date and showcased a new gameplay trailer. However, the pricing details remain under wraps, sparking curiosity among fans about the game's monetization approach.
In an insightful episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler elaborated on the decision. "We're hoping that what we're showing is exciting enough that someone is going to take the leap with us, but we are also committed to delivering on seasons past this that will continuously offer to evolve the game without an increase to the box price," he explained. Ziegler's confidence in the game's current state and its potential for enjoyment is palpable, as he stated, "Everyone's got their own definition of what is the right price."
Speculation about Marathon's price has been rampant on social media, with fans sharing their predictions. Bungie took to Twitter (X) on April 13 to clarify that Marathon will be a premium title, not a full-priced one, and promised to reveal more pricing details this summer.
Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat
In recent years, proximity chat has become a staple feature in multiplayer games, enhancing the interactivity and immersion by allowing players to communicate based on their in-game proximity. However, this feature often brings a mix of friendly and toxic interactions, which can negatively impact the gaming experience.
Bungie has decided to exclude proximity chat from Marathon to maintain a safe environment for players. In an interview with PC Gamer, Ziegler explained the rationale behind this decision. "When it comes to prox chat, I don't think we're against the experience of it, to be fair. I think the challenge is how to make sure we're creating a safe environment for players inside of that space," he said.
While the absence of proximity chat may limit player interaction and strategic communication, especially in an extraction shooter like Marathon, Bungie remains committed to finding a solution to the toxicity it can introduce. Ziegler noted, "I think that's where we stand right now. Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out."
Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our article below!
