Marathon: Bungie's Extraction Saga Breaks Silence After Yearlong Hiatus

Bungie's Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter, Marathon, Receives a Developer Update After a Year of Silence

Marathon's Release Date Remains Distant, but 2025 Playtests Are Planned

After over a year of radio silence, Bungie finally shed some light on their upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon. Initially unveiled at May 2023's PlayStation Showcase, the game generated significant excitement, rekindling nostalgia for Bungie's pre-Halo era while attracting a new generation of players. However, the initial announcement was followed by a prolonged period without updates. This recent developer update, presented by Game Director Joe Ziegler, addresses lingering questions.

Ziegler confirmed that Marathon is indeed an extraction shooter, clarifying its genre for those unfamiliar with the term. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, he assured fans the game is progressing well, undergoing substantial revisions based on extensive player testing. He hinted at a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," each possessing unique abilities. Two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," were briefly showcased via screenshots, their names suggesting their respective playstyles.

While specifics are limited, Ziegler announced plans for expanded playtests in 2025, suggesting previous tests were smaller in scale. He emphasized the importance of players adding the game to their wishlists on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, stating this helps gauge interest and facilitates future communication.

A Closer Look at Bungie's Marathon

Marathon is a reimagining of Bungie's classic 1990s trilogy, marking the studio's most significant departure from the Destiny franchise in over a decade. While not a direct sequel, it's described as residing within the same universe and embodying the essence of a Bungie game. Previous statements indicated no single-player campaign, focusing instead on PvP and player-driven narratives integrated with the overarching story. Ziegler's update suggests modernization efforts and the introduction of new story elements and worlds, hinting at ongoing updates and content.

The game is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality.

Navigating Development Challenges

Reports surfaced in March 2024 regarding the departure of the original project lead, Chris Barrett, following allegations of misconduct. This transition to Joe Ziegler as game director likely impacted development. Furthermore, Bungie's recent workforce reductions undoubtedly contributed to a slower development pace.

Despite the setbacks and a 2025 playtest timeline, the developer update offers a degree of reassurance, signaling ongoing progress despite internal challenges.