Bungie's Marathon: A Developer Update After a Year of Silence
Following over a year of radio silence, Bungie's Game Director, Joe Ziegler, finally provided an update on their upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game generated significant excitement, but subsequent details were scarce.
Ziegler confirmed the game's ongoing development, stating it's "on track" despite undergoing "aggressive changes" based on extensive player testing. He teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective gameplay styles.
While gameplay footage remains absent, Ziegler announced plans for expanded playtests in 2025, inviting a larger player base to participate in key development milestones. He encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate communication regarding future updates.
A Reimagining of a Classic
Marathon is a reimagining of Bungie's 1990s trilogy, marking their first major project outside the Destiny franchise in over a decade. While not a direct sequel, it's set within the same universe and incorporates familiar elements for longtime fans, while remaining accessible to newcomers.
The game, set on Tau Ceti IV, casts players as Runners competing for valuable alien artifacts. Players can team up or go solo, facing off against rival crews or navigating perilous extractions.
Originally envisioned as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Ziegler hinted at potential additions to modernize the game and expand its narrative scope. Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Challenges and Changes
The development journey hasn't been without its hurdles. The departure of original project lead Chris Barrett in March 2024, following allegations of misconduct, and subsequent layoffs impacting approximately 17% of Bungie's workforce, undoubtedly impacted the development timeline.
Despite these setbacks, the announcement of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that Marathon is progressing, albeit at a slower pace than initially anticipated.
