Bungie's Troubled Shooter Marathon Is Making a Comeback
The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the announcement of a closed technical test set to run later this month.
A Challenging Path to Launch
Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, the developer stated it was aiming to start Alpha tests during the coming year. A period of silence followed, 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 the title has already encountered its fair share of issues, the development team appears committed to make certain Marathon doesn't suffer 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 this past summer. The studio is expanding access, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Given the fact that it's a private testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, say, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to October 28th — players must satisfy the listed requirements:
- Submit an application via their platform
- Reside in supported regions
- Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and sufficient memory)
- Join their community platform
- Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community
Application Process
Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the technical test, applicants must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also register via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by October 26th. The developer will notify selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for the game's full release, focused on the early player experience."
Further Details
More info about the technical test and the game itself can be located on Marathon's support section. But for players who aren't selected for the test (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 the game's progress in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie announced.
