Bungie's Extraction Shooter 'Marathon' Reappearing After Silence

Bungie's Marathon: Back on Track After a Year of Silence

After a year of radio silence, Bungie's upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, has received a much-anticipated update from its Game Director, Joe Ziegler. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game, a revival of Bungie's pre-Halo IP, generated significant excitement but was quickly followed by a prolonged period without news.

Ziegler's update confirmed the game is progressing as planned, undergoing substantial revisions based on extensive player testing. While gameplay footage remains unavailable, he revealed details about a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles.

The update also promised expanded playtests for 2025, encouraging fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to show their interest and receive updates. While the exact playtest dates are undisclosed, Ziegler emphasized a broader player involvement in future testing milestones.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

Marathon reimagines Bungie’s original 1990s trilogy, offering a fresh experience within the established universe. While not a direct sequel, it retains the spirit of the originals, incorporating familiar elements for longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game casts players as Runners competing for valuable alien artifacts, either solo or in teams of three, facing off against rival crews and perilous extraction scenarios.

Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Ziegler's update suggests potential additions and narrative expansions, hinting at ongoing development and future updates. Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Navigating Challenges

The extended silence stemmed partly from a leadership change in March 2024, following the departure of the original project lead, Chris Barrett. This transition, coupled with company-wide layoffs affecting approximately 17% of Bungie's workforce, likely contributed to the development delays. Despite these setbacks, the renewed focus on playtests suggests a renewed commitment to delivering a polished final product. While a release date remains unannounced, the update offers a glimmer of hope for fans eagerly anticipating Marathon's arrival.