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

Authore: FinnUpdate:Jan 26,2025

Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be

Bungie's Marathon: A Year of Silence, a New Update

After a year of radio silence, Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, has received a much-needed developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game, a revival of Bungie's pre-Halo franchise, generated significant excitement but was quickly followed by a lack of information.

Game Director Joe Ziegler's update confirmed the game is progressing, describing "aggressive changes" implemented after extensive player testing. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, Ziegler highlighted a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities. He showcased two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," suggesting the character names hint at their respective playstyles.

Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be

Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a broader player base the chance to participate. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate future communication.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

Marathon is a reimagining of Bungie's original 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it's set within the same universe and retains a distinctly Bungie feel. Previous statements indicated the game would be PvP-focused, without a single-player campaign, emphasizing player-driven narratives within the overarching storyline. Ziegler's update suggests a continued focus on this core concept, with additional elements to modernize the experience.

Set on Tau Ceti IV, players (Runners) compete for alien artifacts and valuable loot, either solo or in teams of three. Competition is fierce, with potential encounters against rival crews or challenging last-second extractions.

Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be

Challenges and Changes

The extended development period has been influenced by several factors. In March 2024, the original project lead, Chris Barrett, was reportedly dismissed following allegations of misconduct. This change in leadership, coupled with significant layoffs impacting approximately 17% of Bungie's workforce, undoubtedly contributed to the slower development pace.

Despite the setbacks, the announcement of 2025 playtests offers a glimmer of hope. Marathon is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality. While a release date remains elusive, the recent update suggests that development is progressing, albeit cautiously.