Bungie's Marathon: Back on Track After a Year of Silence
Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, has resurfaced after over a year of radio silence. Game Director Joe Ziegler recently provided a much-needed update, confirming the game is progressing well and addressing community concerns. While a release date remains elusive, Ziegler assures players that Marathon is "on track," undergoing significant revisions based on extensive playtesting.
Ziegler highlighted the game's class-based system, featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities. He showcased two examples, "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at diverse gameplay styles. Although gameplay footage remains unavailable, expanded playtests are scheduled for 2025, promising a larger player base involvement in the development process. Ziegler encourages fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to show their interest and receive updates.
Marathon's origins lie in Bungie's 1990s trilogy, but this iteration stands as a fresh take on the franchise. While drawing inspiration from its predecessors, it's designed to be accessible to newcomers. Set on Tau Ceti IV, players (Runners) compete for valuable loot, either solo or in teams of three, facing off against rival crews and challenging extraction scenarios.
Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience with no single-player campaign, Ziegler suggests potential evolution of the narrative, hinting at additions to modernize the game and deliver ongoing updates. Marathon is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality.
The development journey hasn't been without its challenges. A change in leadership, following the departure of original director Chris Barrett, and studio layoffs have undoubtedly impacted the timeline. However, Ziegler's update instills optimism, suggesting the project remains on a positive trajectory. While a definitive release date remains uncertain, the prospect of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for eager fans.
