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Marathon Will Not Be a Free-to-Play Game
Contrary to earlier speculation, Marathon will not follow the free-to-play model. Instead, it will be released as a premium title. Read on for more details about its pricing strategy and the decision behind omitting proximity chat.
Marathon Development Updates
Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play
Confirmed by Marathon Director Joe Ziegler, the game will not adopt a free-to-play business model. Bungie hosted a live gameplay showcase on April 13, where they revealed the game's release date and shared a new gameplay trailer. While the price has not yet been disclosed, fans are eager to learn how the developer plans to monetize the experience.
During an episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Ziegler clarified that Marathon is not a free-to-play title. He explained, “We’re hoping that what we’re showing is exciting enough that someone is going to take the leap with us, but we are also committed to delivering on seasons past this that will continuously offer to evolve the game without an increase to the box price.”
Ziegler expressed confidence in the current state of the game and emphasized the team’s dedication to refining it further. “Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price,” he added.
Fans have taken to social media to speculate on the potential cost of Marathon, drawing comparisons from other titles in the genre. However, Bungie addressed concerns directly via a Twitter (X) post on April 13, stating that Marathon won’t be a full-priced AAA title but rather a premium experience. Further pricing details are expected to be revealed this summer.
Why Proximity Chat Won’t Be Included in Marathon
Proximity chat has become a standard feature in many modern multiplayer games, allowing players to hear nearby teammates or opponents based on in-game positioning. While it enhances immersion, it can also lead to toxic behavior when unmoderated.
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Ziegler explained why the team decided against including proximity chat in Marathon. He said, “When it comes to prox chat, I don't think we're against the experience of it, to be fair. I think the challenge is how to make sure we're creating a safe environment for players inside of that space.”
The development team remains focused on fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. At this time, they have not found a reliable way to manage the toxicity associated with open voice communication. That said, removing proximity chat does impact certain mechanics—especially in an extraction shooter, where tactical communication between players can play a key role.
Still, Bungie isn’t ruling out the possibility of adding the feature in the future if a secure solution becomes available. As Ziegler put it: “I think that's where we stand right now. Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out.”
Marathon Release Date and Platforms
Marathon is scheduled to launch on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. The game promises ongoing seasonal updates and fresh content without increasing the base purchase price.
Stay tuned for more updates as Bungie prepares to share additional details regarding pricing, features, and gameplay systems later this summer.
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