Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be "On Track" After Yearlong Radio Silence

Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally breaks its year-long silence with a developer update. While a release date remains elusive, the update confirms the game is progressing well and playtests are planned for 2025.

Playtests on the Horizon, Class-Based Gameplay Hints

Game Director Joe Ziegler assures fans Marathon is "on track," detailing significant gameplay revisions based on extensive player testing. He reveals a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," names hinting at their respective playstyles.

While gameplay footage remains under wraps, Ziegler promises broader playtests in 2025, encouraging players to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to stay updated.

A Fresh Take on a Classic, PvP Focus Remains

Marathon reimagines Bungie's 90s trilogy, offering a fresh experience accessible to newcomers while including nods for long-time fans. Set on Tau Ceti IV, players (Runners) team up or go solo to scavenge artifacts, facing competition and perilous extractions.

Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience with no single-player campaign, Ziegler hints at modernizing elements and expanding the narrative within a continually updated world. Cross-play and cross-save functionality across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S are confirmed.

Navigating Development Challenges

The update follows a period of significant change at Bungie. The departure of original project lead Chris Barrett and studio layoffs have undoubtedly impacted development, contributing to the extended silence. Despite these challenges, the positive update suggests Marathon is moving forward. While a release date remains uncertain, the promise of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for eager fans.