The Developer's Troubled Shooter Marathon Is Gaining Momentum
Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated game, has reared its head again with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase set to take place soon.
A Rocky Development Journey
First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the project was re-revealed in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, the studio revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Though the title has already encountered its portion of controversies, the development team appears determined to make certain Marathon avoids the same outcome as other games. Currently, it appears the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on the game" since June of this year. The studio is expanding access, allowing additional participants to get an early look of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Considering it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:
- Submit an application via the official website
- Live in supported regions
- Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
- Join the official Discord server
- Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community
How to Apply
Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also register via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will notify players who qualify and provide details of the following procedures.
"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's full release, focused on the early player experience."
Additional Information
More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be found on the game's support section. But for players who don't qualify for the test (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the trial concludes.
"We'll be sharing a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio announced.
