Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally receives a much-needed developer update after a year of silence. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game, a revival of Bungie's pre-Halo legacy, has generated significant excitement.
Marathon: A 2025 Playtest Target, Release Date Remains Unannounced
Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed lingering questions, confirming Marathon's status as a class-based extraction shooter. While gameplay footage remains under wraps, Ziegler assures fans the game is progressing well, undergoing substantial revisions based on extensive player testing. He teased a character customization system featuring "Runners" with unique abilities, showcasing early concepts for "Thief" and "Stealth" characters. Their names, he suggests, hint at their respective gameplay styles.
Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, aiming to incorporate a larger player base for future development milestones. Ziegler encourages players to wishlist the game on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox to signal interest and facilitate communication regarding future updates.
Marathon: A Bungie Classic Reimagined
Marathon reimagines Bungie's 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it's firmly rooted in the established universe, offering familiar elements for long-time fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game casts players as Runners competing for valuable alien artifacts. Cooperation or solo play is possible, but players must contend with rival crews and perilous extractions.
Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Ziegler hints at potential additions to modernize the game and introduce a fresh narrative arc. Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Development Challenges and Leadership Changes
The development journey hasn't been without its hurdles. The departure of original project lead Chris Barrett following allegations of misconduct, and subsequent studio layoffs impacting approximately 17% of the workforce, undoubtedly impacted development timelines. Ziegler, formerly of Riot Games, now leads the project.
Despite the delays, the promise of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for fans eagerly awaiting Marathon's release. While a concrete release date remains elusive, the developer update suggests the project is progressing, albeit cautiously.
