Bungie, the developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their upcoming first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details about what to expect from the game and the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.
Marathon Coming on September 23
On April 13, Bungie unveiled a gameplay reveal for Marathon, an eagerly anticipated first-person extraction shooter set to launch on September 23, 2025. The game introduces a multiplayer-centric approach, pitting six teams of three players against each other and AI-controlled enemies to compete for loot and successful extractions.
This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which comprised Marathon (1994), Marathon 2: Durandal (1995), and Marathon Infinity (1996). These earlier titles were renowned for their single-player, story-driven experiences.
In a detailed post on the PlayStation.blog dated April 12, Bungie's developers shared insights into the new Marathon. Despite the pivot to multiplayer, the team is committed to preserving the experiential storytelling that has defined Bungie's games. Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized the goal of creating a world where stories naturally unfold, echoing the narrative depth of the original trilogy.
Goff remarked, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." He further explained, "At the end of the day, our goal with Marathon is not to tell a story, but to build worlds in which stories can and will unfold."
Making Marathon a "Story Engine"
During the reveal stream, fans observed a strong focus on in-game economics, with every item in a player's inventory having a sell price and clear indicators of what can be extracted from each map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is not the sole objective of Marathon.
The developers aim for Marathon to serve as a "story engine," fostering memorable encounters and lasting memories, even in the face of mission failures or empty-handed exits. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler, in a recent interview with PC Gamer, highlighted the importance of creating survival stories through gameplay. He stated, "What we're trying to do is say, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?' Some of the best survival stories and moments I've had in gaming are actually failures or weird things that have happened, right?" Ziegler emphasized that success in Marathon is not solely about survival but about crafting a compelling narrative from each run.
Working With Fans and Creators
Throughout Marathon's development, Bungie has actively engaged with fans and content creators, incorporating their feedback from early prototypes to refine the game. A key concern raised by players was the unpredictability and perceived unfairness of map designs, where spawn camping and pre-empted loot collection were common issues.
In response, Ziegler explained, "After hearing this feedback, we moved to the design we have today, where each match is a fresh start for everyone. This consistent starting point means you and your teammates can better strategize before each run, and then you can race enemy teams to fight for the loot you’re looking for."
Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest
Bungie is set to launch a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents of the U.S. and Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to explore four distinct Runners: Blackbird, akin to Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, with tactical invisibility; Locus, equipped with a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. The alpha will feature three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more expansive map for six crews (18 players).
To join the Closed Alpha, players can visit the official Marathon Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command to sign up. Keep in mind that participation is not guaranteed, as this is the game's first public outing.
No further playtests have been announced for regions beyond the U.S. and Canada. Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our related articles!
