Bungie's Challenged Shooter Project Marathon Shows Signs of Life

Marathon, Bungie's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, Bungie stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to 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, the development team appears committed to make certain Marathon doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Currently, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Given the fact that it's a closed technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Live in Europe or North America
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify players who qualify and inform them of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," Bungie said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for the game's final version, concentrating on the early player experience."

Further Details

Additional details about the private trial and the game itself can be found on the game's support section. But for individuals who don't qualify for the trial (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.