The Developer's Troubled Shooter Project Marathon Shows Signs of Life
The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's highly-anticipated game, has made a reappearance with the news of a closed technical test set to run later this month.
A Rocky Development Journey
Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, the developer stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Though Marathon has already seen its portion of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on the game" since June of this year. The developer is expanding access, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Given the fact that it's a closed technical test, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the listed pre-requisites:
- Submit an application via their platform
- Live in supported regions
- Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
- Participate in their community platform
- Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community
How to Apply
Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also register via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will contact selected participants and provide details of the next steps.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," the studio said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a selection of what's intended for the game's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."
Additional Information
More info about the private trial and the game itself can be located on the game's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the trial concludes.
"There will be a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.
