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 confirms the game is progressing well and playtests are planned for 2025.
Game Director Joe Ziegler assures fans that Marathon is "on track," undergoing significant revisions based on extensive player testing. He revealed hints of a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing early concepts for the "Thief" and "Stealth" classes. Their names suggest distinct gameplay styles.
Ziegler emphasizes the expansion of playtests in 2025, inviting a larger player base to participate in future milestones. He encourages fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to show their interest and receive updates.
A reimagining of Bungie's classic trilogy, Marathon is a PvP-focused experience set on Tau Ceti IV. Players, as Runners, compete for valuable alien artifacts, either solo or in teams of three, facing off against rival crews and perilous extractions.
While initially conceived as a purely PvP title without a single-player campaign, Ziegler hints at modernizing elements and introducing a new narrative arc, promising ongoing updates and engaging content. Gameplay footage remains under wraps until Bungie is satisfied with the final product. Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The update also addresses the leadership change. Following the departure of original director Chris Barrett, Joe Ziegler took the reins. This, coupled with recent layoffs at Bungie, likely contributed to the extended development period. Despite the challenges, the positive update offers a glimmer of hope for fans eagerly awaiting Marathon's arrival.
