Bungie's Challenged Shooter Marathon Is Making a Comeback
Marathon, the studio's highly-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the announcement of a closed technical test set to run later this month.
A Challenging Path to Launch
Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a tumultuous development cycle. Last fall, Bungie announced it was aiming to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, the studio revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.
Steering Clear of Controversy
Despite the title has already encountered its portion of issues, Bungie appears determined to ensure Marathon avoids the same outcome as other games. Currently, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing additional participants to get an early look of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."
Technical Test Details
Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an public test. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:
- Submit an application via their platform
- Reside in Europe or North America
- Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
- Join the official Discord server
- Sign an NDA via the Discord server
How to Apply
Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, 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 Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will contact selected participants and inform them of the next steps.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," Bungie stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's planned for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."
Additional Information
Additional details about the technical test and the actual experience can be found on Marathon's support section. But for individuals who don't qualify for the trial (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.
"There will be a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie announced.
