Bungie's Troubled Shooter Project Marathon Is Making a Comeback
The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to begin in October.
A Challenging Path to Launch
Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, Bungie stated plans were to start Alpha tests during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the project was re-revealed in April with a planned September release. However, following initial testing resulted in negative feedback, the studio announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Though Marathon has already encountered its fair share of controversies, the development team appears determined to ensure their project doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is expanding access, enabling additional participants to catch a glimpse of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Given the fact that it's a private technical test, it's understandably limited access than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Apply via their platform
- Live in Europe or North America
- Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs 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
Application Process
Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the technical test, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also register via Steam starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify players who qualify and provide details of the following procedures.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie stated. "That said, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for the game's full release, concentrating on the early player experience."
Further Details
More info about the private trial and the game itself can be found on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the test (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the trial concludes.
"There will be a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.
