Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be \"On Track\" After Yearlong Radio Silence

Bungie's Marathon: A Year of Silence, a Promise of Playtests

After a year of radio silence, Bungie's upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally received a much-anticipated developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game, a revival of Bungie's pre-Halo franchise, generated significant excitement but quickly faded from public view.

Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed lingering questions, confirming the game's status as a class-based extraction shooter. While gameplay footage remains under wraps, Ziegler assured fans that development is progressing well, highlighting substantial gameplay revisions based on extensive player testing. He teased a class system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," suggesting diverse playstyles.

Expanded playtests are slated for 2025, offering a broader player base the chance to participate in the game's development. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist Marathon on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox to signal their interest and facilitate future communication.

A Fresh Take on a Classic: Marathon's Vision

Marathon represents a significant departure for Bungie, marking their first major project outside the Destiny franchise in over a decade. While a reimagining of the original 1990s trilogy, it stands as a standalone experience. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game casts players as Runners competing for valuable alien artifacts in high-stakes extraction matches. Players can team up or go solo, facing off against rival crews and perilous extraction scenarios.

Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, the game's direction might have shifted under Ziegler's leadership, following the departure of the original project lead, Chris Barrett. Ziegler hinted at additions to modernize the game and introduce a new narrative arc.

Despite the lack of gameplay footage, Marathon is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality.

Navigating Challenges: Development Setbacks

The extended development period can be partially attributed to the reported dismissal of Chris Barrett in March 2024, following allegations of misconduct, and Bungie's significant workforce reductions, impacting approximately 17% of their staff. These events undoubtedly affected development timelines and priorities.

While a 2025 release remains uncertain, the promise of expanded playtests offers a glimmer of hope for eager fans. The developer update serves as a reassuring sign of progress, despite the studio's internal challenges.