The Developer's Challenged Shooter Marathon Shows Signs of Life
The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated game, has made a reappearance with the news of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to begin in October.
A Rocky Development Journey
First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a bumpy creation process. Last fall, Bungie announced plans were to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to negative feedback, Bungie announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Though the title has already seen its portion of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain their project doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Now, 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 developer is expanding access, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."
Exclusive Testing Information
Considering it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, for example, an open beta. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the listed requirements:
- Submit an application via the official website
- Live in Europe or North America
- Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
- Participate in their community platform
- Sign an NDA via the Discord server
How to Apply
Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, players must submit their application by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will contact selected participants and provide details of the following procedures.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "However, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for the game's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."
Further Details
More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: Bungie says a official announcement on the state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.
"There will be a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio announced.
