Marathon F2P Rumors Debunked; Pricing Reveal Set for Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but a premium title. Dive deeper to uncover the reasoning behind Marathon's pricing model and the decision to exclude proximity chat.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

The director of Marathon has officially dispelled rumors by confirming that the game will not follow the free-to-play model but will instead be a premium title. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, hosted by Bungie, the developers of Marathon, they unveiled the game’s release date alongside a captivating new gameplay trailer. However, the price of the game remains under wraps, sparking curiosity among fans about its monetization strategy.

In an insightful episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's approach. "We’re hoping that what we’re showing is exciting enough that someone is going to take the leap with us, but we are also committed to delivering on seasons past this that will continuously offer to evolve the game without an increase to the box price," Ziegler stated, emphasizing their commitment to a dynamic and evolving gaming experience.

Ziegler expressed confidence in the game's current state and the team's dedication to making it exceptional. "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price," he added, acknowledging the varied expectations surrounding pricing.

Speculation about Marathon's price has circulated among fans on social media, but Bungie clarified via a Twitter (X) post on April 13 that Marathon will not be a full-priced title but a premium one. More details on pricing are slated for an announcement this summer.

Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat

In recent years, proximity chat has become a staple feature in many multiplayer games, enhancing interaction and immersion by allowing players to communicate based on their in-game proximity. However, this feature often brings with it the challenge of managing player interactions, which can sometimes turn toxic.

Bungie has decided not to include proximity chat in Marathon, a decision detailed in a recent interview with PC Gamer. Marathon Director Joe Ziegler explained, "When it comes to prox chat, I don't think we're against the experience of it, to be fair. I think the challenge is how to make sure we're creating a safe environment for players inside of that space."

Ziegler highlighted the team's commitment to fostering a safe gaming environment, noting the absence of a viable solution to mitigate the potential toxicity associated with proximity chat. While this choice may limit some interactions, such as negotiating with opposing teams in this extraction shooter, Bungie remains focused on finding the right balance. "I think that's where we stand right now. Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out," Ziegler concluded.

Marathon is set to launch on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed information about the game by checking out our article below!