The Developer's Challenged Action Game Project Marathon Is Making a Comeback
The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated game, has made a reappearance with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to begin in October.
A Rocky Development Journey
Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a bumpy development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was re-revealed in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, Bungie announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Despite Marathon has already seen its portion of controversies, Bungie appears committed to ensure Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the game's development is finally getting back on track, as they just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The developer is expanding access, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Considering it's a closed technical test, it's naturally more exclusive than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the listed requirements:
- Submit an application via the official website
- Reside in Europe or North America
- Own a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and sufficient memory)
- Participate in their community platform
- Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community
How to Apply
Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the technical test, players must submit their application by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also register via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will notify selected participants and provide details of the next steps.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio stated. "That said, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's planned for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the early player experience."
Additional Information
Additional details about the private trial and the game itself can be located on Marathon's help page. But for players who don't qualify for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the trial concludes.
"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" The studio announced.
