Bungie's Troubled Action Game Marathon Is Gaining Momentum
Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated game, has reared its head again with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month.
A Challenging Path to Launch
First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, the developer stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the project was showcased again in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, the studio revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.
Steering Clear of Controversy
Though the title has already seen its fair share of issues, the development team appears determined to ensure their project avoids the same outcome as other games. Currently, it seems the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling more players to get an early look of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Considering it's a private technical test, it's naturally more exclusive than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the listed requirements:
- Apply via their platform
- Live in supported regions
- Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
- Join their community platform
- Sign an NDA via the Discord server
How to Apply
Registration is currently available, 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 Steam starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will notify players who qualify and inform them of the following procedures.
"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," the studio said. "However, the current version is a development build and will only include a selection of what's intended for the game's final version, concentrating on the early player experience."
Additional Information
More info 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 test (or cannot participate), there's still good news: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.
"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the near future after the private testing phase!" Bungie shared.
