Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be \"On Track\" After Yearlong Radio Silence

After a year of silence, Bungie’s Game Director finally offered an update on their upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the project has been shrouded in mystery until now.

Bungie's Marathon: A Developer Update

A Distant Release, But Playtests Planned for 2025

Announced as Bungie's next big project, *Marathon* rekindled excitement for the studio's pre-*Halo* era while captivating a new audience. However, the initial announcement was followed by a prolonged period of radio silence. Now, Game Director Joe Ziegler has provided a much-anticipated update.

Ziegler confirmed Marathon is an extraction shooter, clarifying community questions. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, he assured fans the game is progressing well, undergoing significant revisions based on extensive player testing. He hinted at a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities. Two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," were teased via screenshots, their names suggesting their respective playstyles.

Larger-scale playtests are scheduled for 2025. While Bungie may have conducted smaller internal tests, broader participation is planned. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to show their interest and receive updates.

Marathon: A Closer Look

A reimagining of Bungie's 1990s trilogy, *Marathon* marks Bungie's significant departure from the *Destiny* franchise after over a decade. It's not a direct sequel, but rather a title within the same universe, designed to feel distinctly like a Bungie game, accessible to both newcomers and longtime fans.

Set on Tau Ceti IV, Marathon is a high-stakes extraction shooter. Players, as Runners, compete for survival, wealth, and glory, either solo or in teams of three, scavenging alien artifacts and valuable loot. Competition from rival crews and perilous extractions add to the intensity.

Originally conceived as a PvP-focused game without a single-player campaign, the future of this design under Ziegler’s leadership remains uncertain. However, Ziegler mentioned plans to incorporate elements to modernize the game and introduce a new narrative and world with ongoing updates.

Gameplay footage is being withheld until Bungie is satisfied with the final product. Marathon is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality.

Development Challenges

In March 2024, the original project lead, Chris Barrett, was reportedly dismissed following allegations of misconduct. Joe Ziegler subsequently took over as game director. Further complicating development, Bungie experienced significant layoffs, affecting approximately 17% of its workforce.

Despite the setbacks and a 2025 playtest timeframe, the developer update suggests the project is progressing. The upcoming playtests offer a glimmer of hope for fans eagerly anticipating Marathon's release.