Bungie's Marathon Clawed Back, Dev Update

Bungie's Marathon: A Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter Returns from Radio Silence

After a year of silence, Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally received a much-needed developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game reignited excitement for Bungie's pre-Halo era while captivating a new generation of gamers. However, the initial announcement was followed by a prolonged period without news.

Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed the community directly, confirming the game’s status and direction. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, Ziegler assured fans that Marathon is progressing well, undergoing significant revisions based on extensive player testing. He teased a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," each possessing unique abilities. Two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," were showcased via concept art, their names hinting at their respective playstyles.

Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a broader player base the opportunity to participate in the game's development. While previous testing occurred, it was limited in scale. Ziegler emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate future communication.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

Marathon reimagines Bungie's 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it retains the spirit of the original games and shares the same universe, offering both familiar nods for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for newcomers.

Set on Tau Ceti IV, Marathon casts players as Runners battling for survival, wealth, and glory. Players can team up in squads of three or venture solo, scavenging for alien artifacts and valuable loot while facing competition from other Runners or perilous extraction scenarios.

Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, the game's future direction under Ziegler's leadership remains to be seen. However, Ziegler hinted at the addition of elements to modernize the game and introduce a compelling new narrative.

Marathon is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, featuring cross-play and cross-save functionality. While gameplay footage is still under wraps, the developer update offers a glimmer of hope and renewed anticipation for this ambitious project.

Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Changes

The development of Marathon has faced challenges. In March 2024, the original project lead, Chris Barrett, departed from Bungie following allegations of misconduct. Joe Ziegler, formerly of Riot Games, took over as game director, likely influencing the game's development path. Furthermore, Bungie's workforce reduction impacted development timelines.

Despite these setbacks, the planned 2025 playtests offer a positive sign, suggesting the game remains on track. The future remains uncertain, but the developer update provides a reassuring update for eager fans.