Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their highly anticipated game, Marathon, during an engaging gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details about what you can expect from the game and how you can participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie unveiled a gameplay showcase for Marathon, their upcoming first-person extraction shooter set in the Tau Ceti universe. The game introduces a dynamic multiplayer environment where six teams of three players compete against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure and extract valuable loot.

This new direction marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which comprised of story-driven, single-player experiences released between 1994 and 1996. The original games, including Marathon, Marathon 2: Durandal, and Marathon Infinity, focused on narrative depth and solo gameplay.

In a recent PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers shed light on the game's design philosophy. Despite the shift to multiplayer, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized that the game will retain the experiential storytelling that has defined Bungie’s titles. "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection," Goff remarked. He further elaborated, "Our goal with Marathon is not just to tell a story, but to create worlds where stories naturally unfold."

Making Marathon a "Story Engine"

During the reveal stream, fans observed a strong emphasis on in-game economics, with every item in players' inventories having a sell price and clear indicators of extractable loot. However, Bungie clarified that the game offers more than just financial gains.

Marathon aims to be a "story engine", fostering memorable experiences and lasting narratives even when players fail or leave empty-handed. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler shared his vision with PC Gamer, stating, "What we're trying to do is say, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?' Some of the best survival stories and moments I've had in gaming are actually failures or unexpected events." Ziegler's goal is to ensure that success in Marathon isn't just about survival but about the compelling stories that emerge from each gameplay session.

Working With Fans and Creators

Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators throughout Marathon's development, incorporating player feedback from early prototypes. A key issue raised was the unpredictability of maps, where players could be disadvantaged by camping or pre-empted loot grabs. In response, Ziegler explained, "After hearing this feedback, we moved to the design we have today, where each match is a fresh start for everyone. This consistent starting point means you and your teammates can better strategize before each run, and then you can race enemy teams to fight for the loot you’re looking for."

Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest

Bungie will host a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusive to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to try out four unique Runners: Blackbird (akin to Destiny 2’s Warlock), Void (with tactical invisibility), Locus (featuring a tactical shield), and Glitch (known for exceptional mobility). The alpha will include three maps: Perimeter (a woodland setting for five crews, or 15 players) and Dire Marsh (a more open environment for six crews, or 18 players).

To join the playtest, interested players should visit Marathon’s official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command. Invitations are not guaranteed, as this is the game's first public testing phase. No further playtests have been announced outside of the U.S. and Canada at this time.

Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed insights into the game by checking out our dedicated coverage below!