Bungie's Marathon: Extraction Shooter Back on Track

Bungie's Marathon: A Year of Silence, Then a Developer Update

After a year of radio silence, Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally received a much-needed developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game generated significant excitement, but subsequent updates were scarce.

Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed community concerns in a recent update. While gameplay footage remains elusive, Ziegler confirmed the game is progressing as planned, undergoing substantial revisions based on extensive player testing. He teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," each with unique abilities. Two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," were showcased via screenshots, with Ziegler hinting at their gameplay styles based on their names.

Expanded playtests are scheduled for 2025, offering a broader player base the opportunity to participate in the development process. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to show their interest and receive updates.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

Marathon is a reimagining of Bungie's classic 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it retains the spirit of the originals, incorporating familiar elements for longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game casts players as Runners competing for valuable alien artifacts in high-stakes extraction matches. Players can team up or go solo, facing off against rival crews or navigating perilous extractions.

Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, the game's direction may evolve under Ziegler's leadership. He hinted at additions to modernize the game and introduce a new narrative arc.

Challenges and the Path Forward

The development journey has faced challenges. The departure of the original project lead, Chris Barrett, following allegations of misconduct, and significant workforce reductions at Bungie have likely impacted the timeline. Despite these setbacks, the developer update suggests a renewed focus on delivering a polished product. Marathon is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality. While a release date remains unannounced, the planned 2025 playtests offer a glimmer of hope for eager fans.