Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their highly anticipated game, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details below to discover what awaits in this innovative first-person extraction shooter and how you can participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.
Marathon Coming on September 23
Returning to Tau Ceti
On April 13, Bungie unveiled the gameplay for Marathon, their upcoming first-person extraction shooter set in the Tau Ceti universe. The game introduces a dynamic multiplayer experience where six teams of three players vie against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure valuable loot and successfully extract it. This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which was released between 1994 and 1996 and focused on single-player, story-driven gameplay.
In a detailed PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers shared insights into the new direction of Marathon. Despite the transition to a multiplayer-centric approach, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized the game's commitment to experiential storytelling, a signature element of Bungie's games. Goff highlighted the original trilogy's narrative complexity and stated, "At the end of the day, our goal with Marathon is not to tell a story, but to build worlds in which stories can and will unfold."
Making Marathon a "Story Engine"
During the reveal stream, fans observed a strong focus on in-game economics, with every item in a player's inventory having a sell price and clear indicators of what can be extracted from each map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is not the sole objective of Marathon. The developers aim to transform Marathon into a "story engine," where memorable battles and lasting experiences are forged, even in the face of mission failures or empty-handed exits.
Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler, in a recent interview with PC Gamer, elaborated on this vision. He remarked, "What we're trying to do is say, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?' Some of the best survival stories and moments I've had in gaming are actually failures or weird things that have happened, right?" Ziegler emphasized that success in Marathon is not solely measured by survival but by the compelling stories that emerge from each run.
Working With Fans and Creators
Throughout Marathon's development, Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators. From the game's early stages, players have been involved in playtesting prototypes, providing crucial feedback that has shaped the game's design. One significant piece of feedback was the unpredictability and perceived unfairness of the maps, where players could camp spawns or find their desired loot already taken.
In response, Ziegler explained, "After hearing this feedback, we moved to the design we have today, where each match is a fresh start for everyone. This consistent starting point means you and your teammates can better strategize before each run, and then you can race enemy teams to fight for the loot you’re looking for."
Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest
Bungie is set to launch a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents of the U.S. and Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to explore four distinct Runners: Blackbird, reminiscent of Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, equipped with tactical invisibility; Locus, featuring a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. The alpha will also include three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open environment for six crews (18 players).
To join the Closed Alpha, interested players should visit Marathon's official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command to sign up. Keep in mind that participation is not guaranteed, as this is a closed alpha and the first public exposure of the game.
No further playtests have been announced for regions beyond the U.S. and Canada. Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights by checking out our related articles!
