Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be \"On Track\" After Yearlong Radio Silence

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, has finally received a much-anticipated developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the title generated significant excitement, but subsequent news was scarce.

Game Director Joe Ziegler's update confirmed the game's ongoing development, stating it's "on track" despite undergoing "aggressive changes" based on extensive player testing. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, Ziegler teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles.

Playtests are planned for 2025, with Ziegler promising broader participation than previous closed tests. He encouraged fans 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 is a reimagining of Bungie's 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it's set within the same universe and incorporates familiar elements for longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. The game, set on Tau Ceti IV, casts players as Runners competing for valuable alien artifacts in high-stakes extraction matches, either solo or in teams of three. Competition includes other player crews and the pressure of timed extractions.

Originally envisioned as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Ziegler's update suggests potential additions to modernize the game and introduce a new narrative arc. Cross-play and cross-save functionality across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S are confirmed.

Navigating Development Challenges

The extended development period can be attributed to several factors. The March 2024 departure of original project lead Chris Barrett, following allegations of misconduct, and subsequent staff reductions (approximately 17% of the workforce) undoubtedly impacted the project's timeline.

Despite the delays and challenges, the developer update offers a glimmer of hope, signaling continued progress and the promise of more extensive player involvement in 2025. While a release date remains unannounced, the planned playtests provide a tangible milestone for eager fans.