The Developer's Troubled Action Game Marathon Is Making a Comeback
The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the news of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to take place soon.
A Rocky Development Journey
Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced plans were to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was re-revealed in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests led to mixed reactions, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Though the title has already encountered its fair share of issues, Bungie appears determined to ensure their project avoids the same outcome as other games. Currently, it appears the game's development is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on the game" since this past summer. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling more players to get an early look of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."
Exclusive Testing Information
Considering it's a private technical test, it's understandably more exclusive 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 — players must meet the following requirements:
- Apply via the official website
- Live in Europe or North America
- Own a PS5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
- Join their community platform
- Sign an NDA via the Discord server
How to Apply
Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the technical test, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. Bungie will notify selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.
"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," Bungie said. "That said, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for the game's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."
Further Details
More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's support section. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the test is over.
"There will be a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio shared.
