Bungie's Marathon: A Year of Silence, Then a Developer Update
After a year of radio silence, Bungie’s upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally received a much-anticipated developer update. Initially unveiled at the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game generated considerable excitement, but subsequent information was scarce.
Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed community concerns, confirming the game's status as a class-based extraction shooter. While gameplay footage remains under wraps, Ziegler assured fans that development is progressing well, with significant gameplay adjustments made based on extensive player testing. He teased a class system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles.
Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a broader player base the chance to experience the game. Ziegler encouraged fans to wishlist Marathon on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to demonstrate interest and facilitate future communication regarding updates.
A Reimagining of a Classic
Marathon is a fresh take on Bungie's 1990s trilogy, marking a significant departure from the Destiny franchise. While not a direct sequel, it retains the studio's signature style within the established universe. Players unfamiliar with the original trilogy can easily jump in, while veterans will find familiar elements and references.
Set on Tau Ceti IV, players take on the role of Runners, competing for survival, wealth, and recognition. Gameplay involves scavenging for alien artifacts and valuable loot, either solo or in teams of three. Competition is fierce, with other crews vying for the same resources and the constant threat of perilous extractions.
Initially conceived as a purely PvP experience without a single-player campaign, Marathon's future direction under Ziegler remains to be seen. He mentioned plans to incorporate elements that modernize the game while introducing a new narrative and world with ongoing updates.
Cross-play and cross-save functionality will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. While gameplay footage is yet to be released, Bungie aims to showcase the final product when ready.
Development Challenges
The development journey has faced challenges. In March 2024, the original project lead, Chris Barrett, was reportedly dismissed from Bungie following allegations of misconduct. Joe Ziegler subsequently took over as Game Director. Furthermore, significant staff reductions at Bungie this year impacted development timelines.
Despite the setbacks, the planned 2025 playtests offer a glimpse of hope, suggesting that development is progressing, albeit at a slower pace than initially anticipated. The developer update provides reassurance that Marathon remains on track, albeit with a longer road ahead.
