The Developer's Challenged Action Game Project Marathon Is Gaining Momentum

The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the announcement of a closed technical test set to take place soon.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has experienced a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was re-revealed in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already encountered its portion of controversies, the development team appears determined to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on the game" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Given the fact that it's a private technical test, it's understandably limited access than, say, an public test. To participate in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Live in Europe or North America
• Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, 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 is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a portion of what's planned for the game's final version, concentrating on the early player experience."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's support section. But for players who don't qualify for the test (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.