Bungie's Troubled Shooter Project Marathon Is Making a Comeback

Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, the developer announced it was aiming to start Alpha tests during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite the title has already seen its fair share of issues, Bungie appears committed to ensure their project doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Now, it appears the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a private technical test, it's understandably limited access than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will contact players who qualify and inform them of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," Bungie said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for the game's full release, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

Additional details about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the test (or cannot participate), there's still good news: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the test is over.

"There will be a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio shared.