Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally emerges from radio silence with a developer update. Announced at the PlayStation Showcase in May 2023, the game has been shrouded in mystery until now.

Marathon: A 2025 Playtest Target
Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed the game's progress, stating it's "on track" following extensive playtesting and significant revisions. While gameplay footage remains under wraps, Ziegler revealed a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities. He showcased two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles.
Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a wider player base the chance to experience Marathon. Ziegler encourages players to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to show their interest and receive updates.

A Fresh Take on a Classic
Marathon reimagines Bungie's classic 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it shares the universe and characteristic Bungie gameplay. Set on Tau Ceti IV, players (Runners) compete for alien artifacts and valuable loot, either solo or in teams of three, facing off against rival crews and perilous extractions.

Originally conceived as a purely PvP experience with no single-player campaign, Ziegler hints at additions that modernize the game and introduce a new evolving narrative. Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Behind the Scenes Challenges
The development journey hasn't been without its hurdles. The departure of original project lead Chris Barrett and significant staff reductions at Bungie have undoubtedly impacted the timeline. Despite these challenges, the developer update signals continued progress and a commitment to delivering a compelling experience. While a release date remains unannounced, the planned playtests offer a glimpse of hope for eager fans.