After a year of silence, Bungie's Game Director finally offered an update on their upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon. Initially unveiled at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game quickly generated excitement, but subsequent news was scarce.
Bungie's Marathon: A Developer Update
A Distant Release, But Playtests Planned for 2025
Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed community concerns directly. He confirmed the game's status as a Bungie-style extraction shooter, revealing significant gameplay revisions based on extensive player testing. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, Ziegler hinted at a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities. He showcased two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," suggesting their names offer clues to their gameplay styles.
Expanded playtests are slated for 2025, signaling a broader player involvement in the development process. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate future communication.
A Look at Bungie's Marathon
A reimagining of Bungie's 1990s trilogy, *Marathon* marks a significant departure from the *Destiny* franchise. While not a direct sequel, it's set within the same universe, incorporating familiar elements for long-time fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.Set on Tau Ceti IV, Marathon casts players as Runners competing for valuable alien artifacts. Players can team up or go solo, facing off against rival crews or navigating perilous extractions. Originally conceived as a PvP-focused game without a single-player campaign, Ziegler's update suggests potential additions to modernize the experience and expand the narrative.
Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Gameplay footage will be unveiled upon Bungie's satisfaction with the final product.
Behind the Scenes of Marathon's Development
Chris Barrett, the initial project lead, departed from Bungie in March 2024 following allegations of misconduct. Joe Ziegler, formerly of Riot Games, took over as Game Director. This transition, coupled with significant staff reductions at Bungie, likely contributed to the extended development timeline.
Despite the challenges, the planned 2025 playtests offer a glimmer of hope for fans eagerly awaiting Marathon's release. The developer update suggests that, despite setbacks, the project is progressing.
