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 has generated significant excitement, rekindling nostalgia for Bungie's pre-Halo era while attracting a new generation of players.
Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed lingering questions, confirming Marathon's position as Bungie's take on the extraction shooter genre. While gameplay footage remains under wraps, Ziegler assured fans the project is progressing well, undergoing "aggressive changes" based on extensive player testing. He teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities, showcasing early concepts for "Thief" and "Stealth" Runners. Their names, he hinted, offer clues to their gameplay styles.
Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, marking a significant expansion from any previous closed testing. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, emphasizing that this demonstrates community interest and facilitates communication regarding future updates.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
Marathon reimagines Bungie's 1990s trilogy, offering a fresh perspective within the established universe. While not a direct sequel, it aims to capture the spirit of the originals, incorporating familiar elements for longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game casts players as Runners competing for alien artifacts and valuable loot, either solo or in teams of three. The core gameplay revolves around high-stakes extraction, facing off against rival crews or navigating perilous escapes.
Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Marathon's future direction under Ziegler remains to be seen. He did, however, mention plans to incorporate modern elements and expand the narrative, hinting at ongoing world-building and future updates.
Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. While a release date remains undisclosed, the developer update offers a reassuring glimpse into Marathon's ongoing development, despite internal challenges.
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Changes
The extended development period is partly attributed to the March 2024 departure of original project lead Chris Barrett, following allegations of misconduct. Joe Ziegler subsequently took the helm, potentially influencing the game's trajectory. Further complicating matters were significant layoffs affecting approximately 17% of Bungie's workforce. Despite these setbacks, the promise of expanded playtests in 2025 provides a glimmer of hope for eager fans.
