Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their eagerly awaited first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into this article to uncover the exciting features of the game and learn about the upcoming Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest.
Marathon Coming on September 23
Returning to Tau Ceti
On April 13, Bungie unveiled a gameplay reveal for Marathon, their innovative take on a first-person extraction shooter set in the universe of Tau Ceti. The game introduces a dynamic multiplayer environment where six teams, each consisting of three players, vie against one another and AI enemies to secure valuable loot and successfully extract it.
This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which comprised story-driven, single-player experiences. The first Marathon game was released in 1994, followed by Marathon 2: Durandal in 1995, and Marathon Infinity in 1996.
In a detailed PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie’s developers shed light on what players can anticipate from Marathon. Despite its pivot to a multiplayer-centric approach, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized the continuation of Bungie’s legacy of experiential storytelling.
Goff highlighted, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." He further 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 the game’s significant focus on in-game economy, with every item in a player's inventory having a sell price and clear indications of what can be extracted from a map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is not the sole objective of the game.
Marathon is designed to be a "story engine," where players can create memorable experiences and stories, even from failures or leaving a map empty-handed. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler elaborated on the game's direction, stating, "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 underscored that success in Marathon isn’t solely about survival but about crafting a compelling story from each run.
Working With Fans and Creators
Throughout the development of Marathon, Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators. From the game’s early stages, players have been involved in playtesting prototypes, providing invaluable feedback that has shaped the game’s development.
One notable piece of feedback was the concern over maps feeling unfair and unpredictable, with issues like spawn camping and contested loot. Responding to this, 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 its closed alpha playtest for Marathon, running from April 23 to May 4. This playtest is region-restricted, open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
The closed alpha will introduce players to four unique Runners: Blackbird, akin to Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, equipped with tactical invisibility; Locus, boasting a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. Three maps will be available for play, including Perimeter, a woodland map for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open map designed for six crews (18 players).
To participate, players can join the official Marathon Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and enter the "/alpha" command to sign up. Keep in mind that this is a closed alpha, and receiving an invitation is not guaranteed, as it represents the game’s first public exposure.
No further playtests have been announced for regions outside the U.S. and Canada. Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest news on Marathon!
