Bungie's 'Marathon' Reboot Still Underway After Hiatus

Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally breaks its year-long silence with a developer update! While a release date remains elusive, the update offers a glimpse into the game's progress and future plans.

Marathon: Back on Track, Playtests Planned for 2025

Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed Marathon's continued development, highlighting significant gameplay revisions based on extensive player testing. He revealed hints of a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," whose names suggest their respective playstyles.

Expanded playtests are slated for 2025, offering more players a chance to experience the game. Ziegler encourages fans to wishlist Marathon on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to show their interest and receive future updates.

A Fresh Take on a Classic: Marathon's Vision

A reimagining of Bungie's original Marathon trilogy, this new iteration stands as Bungie's first major project outside the Destiny franchise in over a decade. While not a direct sequel, it retains the universe's essence and incorporates familiar elements for longtime fans, while remaining accessible to newcomers.

Set on Tau Ceti IV, Marathon casts players as Runners competing for alien artifacts and riches in intense extraction gameplay. Players can team up or go solo, facing off against rival crews and perilous extractions.

Initially envisioned as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Ziegler's update hints at potential additions that modernize the game and introduce a new narrative arc.

Cross-play and cross-save functionality will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Behind the Scenes: Navigating Challenges

The update comes after a period of significant change at Bungie. The departure of original project lead Chris Barrett and subsequent studio layoffs undoubtedly impacted development, contributing to the extended period of silence. However, Ziegler's update suggests a renewed focus and positive momentum for Marathon's development.

While a release date remains undisclosed, the planned 2025 playtests provide a beacon of hope for eager fans, signaling progress towards the game's eventual launch.