"Halo, Silent No More: FPS Co-op Shooter Marathon Returns"

Bungie's Marathon: A Year of Silence, a Promise of Playtests

After a year of radio silence, Bungie's upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, has resurfaced with a developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game, a revival of Bungie's pre-Halo franchise, generated significant excitement. However, the initial announcement was followed by a prolonged period without news, leaving fans eager for updates.

Game Director Joe Ziegler recently addressed the community, confirming the game's progress and outlining plans for future playtests. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, Ziegler assured fans that Marathon is "on track" and undergoing significant revisions based on extensive player testing. He teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," each with unique abilities. Two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," were briefly highlighted, their names hinting at their gameplay styles.

Expanded playtests are scheduled for 2025, offering a larger player base the opportunity to participate in the game's development. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate communication regarding future updates.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

Marathon is a reimagining of Bungie's 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it's set within the same universe and aims to capture the essence of a classic Bungie experience. Players, as Runners, compete on Tau Ceti IV, scavenging for artifacts and battling rival crews. The game is designed as a PvP experience, with player actions shaping the overarching narrative.

Navigating Challenges

The extended development period is partly attributed to a leadership change. Following the departure of original project lead Chris Barrett, Joe Ziegler assumed the role of Game Director. Additionally, Bungie underwent significant workforce reductions, impacting development timelines.

Despite these setbacks, the promise of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for fans. While a release date remains unconfirmed, the developer update suggests that progress is ongoing, albeit at a slower pace. Marathon is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality.