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

Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally breaks its year-long silence with a developer update. While a release date remains elusive, Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed the project is "on track" and progressing well after extensive playtesting.

Playtests Planned for 2025

Ziegler's update, viewable here, revealed the game's core concept as a class-based extraction shooter. Players will select and customize "Runners," each possessing unique abilities. He showcased two potential Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles. While gameplay footage is still under wraps, Ziegler emphasized plans for significantly expanded playtests in 2025, inviting more players to participate in future milestones. He encouraged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to stay updated.

A Modern Reimagining of a Classic

Marathon is a fresh take on Bungie's classic 1990s trilogy, aiming for a modern feel while retaining the spirit of the original. Learn more about the game's origins here. Set on Tau Ceti IV, the game focuses on intense PvP extraction gameplay, where Runners compete for valuable alien artifacts. Players can team up or go solo, facing off against rival crews or the challenges of a perilous extraction.

Initially envisioned as purely PvP-focused with no single-player campaign, Ziegler suggests potential additions to modernize the experience and expand the narrative. The game will feature cross-play and cross-save functionality across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Development Challenges and Leadership Change

The extended silence was partly attributed to a leadership change following the departure of the original project lead, Chris Barrett. Additionally, Bungie's recent workforce reductions impacted development timelines. Despite these setbacks, Ziegler's update offers a positive outlook, with the promise of wider playtesting in 2025 signaling progress toward the game's eventual release.