Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially unveiled the release date for their eagerly anticipated game, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details of what to expect from the game and learn about the upcoming Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie hosted a gameplay reveal showcase for their upcoming first-person extraction shooter, Marathon. This game promises thrilling multiplayer strategies where six teams of three players will compete against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure valuable loot and successfully extract items.

This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which included the first Marathon released in 1994, its sequel Marathon 2: Durandal in 1995, and Marathon Infinity in 1996. These games were known for their story-driven, single-player experiences.

In a detailed PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie developers outlined what players can anticipate in the new Marathon. Despite moving towards a multiplayer focus, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized maintaining the experiential storytelling that has become a signature of Bungie's games.

Goff shared, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." He further added, "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 indications of what can be extracted from each map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is just one aspect of the game.

The developers aim for Marathon to serve as a "story engine," creating memorable experiences and lasting memories, even from failed missions or empty-handed exits. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler, in a recent interview with PC Gamer, explained their vision for the game.

He remarked, "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 underscored that success in Marathon isn't solely about survival but about crafting a compelling narrative from each run.

Working With Fans and Creators

Throughout the development of Marathon, Bungie has actively engaged with fans and content creators. From the game's early stages, even before full production began, players were invited to test early prototypes and provide valuable feedback.

One common piece of feedback was that the maps felt unfair and unpredictable, allowing for spawn camping and the premature looting of desired items. In response, Ziegler noted, "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. Participation is restricted to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

The closed alpha will introduce four Runners for players to explore: Blackbird, similar to Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, equipped with tactical invisibility; Locus, featuring a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for its exceptional mobility. Players will have access to three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open environment for six crews (18 players).

To join the playtest, interested players should visit Marathon's official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and enter the "/alpha" command. Participants will then await notification from Bungie regarding their invitation. It's important to remember that this is a closed alpha, meaning not everyone who signs up will receive an invitation, as it's the game's first public outing.

No further playtest announcements have been made beyond the specified regions. Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates on Marathon!