The Developer's Troubled Action Game Marathon Shows Signs of Life
Marathon, Bungie's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to run later this month.
A Rocky Development Journey
Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a bumpy creation process. In October 2024, Bungie announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.
Steering Clear of Controversy
Though the title has already encountered its portion of issues, the development team appears determined to make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Now, it appears the project's progress is moving forward again, as Bungie just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Considering it's a private technical test, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an public test. To participate in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the listed pre-requisites:
- Submit an application via their platform
- Reside in supported regions
- Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and 8GB RAM)
- Join the official Discord server
- Sign an NDA via the Discord server
How to Apply
Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also register via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify players who qualify and provide details of the next steps.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio stated. "However, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for Marathon's full release, focused on the early player experience."
Additional Information
Additional details about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the test is over.
"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.
