Marathon F2P Rumors Debunked; Pricing Reveal Set for Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will instead be a premium title. Here's everything you need to know about Marathon's pricing and the decision to exclude proximity chat.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

Marathon Director Joe Ziegler confirmed during a live gameplay showcase on April 13 that the game will not follow a free-to-play model but will be a premium title. Bungie, the developer behind Marathon, also unveiled the game's release date and showcased a new gameplay trailer during the event. However, specific pricing details remain under wraps, with fans eagerly anticipating how the game will be monetized.

In an episode of the Friends Per Second podcast aired on April 14, Ziegler elaborated on the decision, stating, "We’re hoping that what we’re showing is exciting enough that someone is going to take the leap with us, but we are also committed to delivering on seasons past this that will continuously offer to evolve the game without an increase to the box price." He expressed confidence in the game's current state and the team's dedication to making it exceptional, noting, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price."

Speculation about Marathon's price has been rampant on social media, with fans sharing various predictions. Bungie clarified via a Twitter (X) post on April 13 that Marathon will not be a full-priced title but a premium one, promising to reveal more pricing details this summer.

Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat

In recent years, proximity chat has become a popular feature in multiplayer games, allowing players to communicate based on their in-game proximity for a more immersive experience. However, this feature often introduces toxicity due to the diverse nature of online interactions.

Bungie decided against including proximity chat in Marathon to maintain a safe environment for players. In an interview with PC Gamer, Ziegler explained, "When it comes to prox chat, I don't think we're against the experience of it, to be fair. I think the challenge is how to make sure we're creating a safe environment for players inside of that space." He highlighted the team's commitment to player safety and acknowledged the current lack of a solution to mitigate the toxicity that proximity chat can bring.

While proximity chat could enhance interactions with opposing teams and strategic gameplay in an extraction shooter like Marathon, Bungie has yet to find a perfect solution to implement it safely. Ziegler noted, "I think that's where we stand right now. Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out."

Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news and developments by checking out our related articles below!