Marathon, Bungie’s Extraction Shooter, Claimed to be \"On Track\" After Yearlong Radio Silence

Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally emerges from radio silence with a developer update. Announced in 2023, the game has been shrouded in mystery until now.

Marathon: A 2025 Playtest Target

The update, delivered by Game Director Joe Ziegler, confirms Marathon is "on track," despite a year of silence. While gameplay footage remains elusive, Ziegler details aggressive game changes based on extensive player testing and hints at a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities. Two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," are teased, with names suggesting their respective playstyles.

Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a broader player base the chance to participate in the game's development. Ziegler encourages wishlisting on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate player interest and facilitate future communication.

A Modern Take on a Classic Universe

Marathon reimagines Bungie's classic trilogy, offering a fresh experience accessible to newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with familiar nods. Set on Tau Ceti IV, players (Runners) compete for valuable alien artifacts, either solo or in teams of three, facing off against rival crews and perilous extractions.

Initially conceived as a PvP-focused game without a single-player campaign, Ziegler suggests additions that modernize the game and introduce a new, evolving narrative. Cross-play and cross-save functionality are confirmed across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Navigating Development Challenges

The extended development period is partly attributed to the March 2024 departure of original project lead Chris Barrett following allegations of misconduct, and subsequent studio layoffs affecting approximately 17% of Bungie's workforce. Despite these setbacks, the 2025 playtest announcement offers a glimmer of hope for a smoother development path.

While a release date remains unannounced, the developer update signals progress and renewed optimism for Marathon's future.