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

Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally receives a much-needed update after over a year of silence. Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed the game is "on track," despite significant internal changes and a leadership shift.

Ziegler, in a recent developer update video, YouTube Embed: https://www.youtube.com/embed/r8WgMQuPwRE, addressed fan concerns and clarified Marathon's position within the extraction shooter genre. While gameplay footage remains elusive, he revealed a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities. He showcased two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at their respective playstyles.

Expanded playtests are planned for 2025, offering a wider player base the chance to participate in the game's development. Ziegler urged fans to wishlist Marathon on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to signal their interest and facilitate future communication.

A look back at the game's initial reveal: YouTube Embed: https://www.youtube.com/embed/ckI_m8bbXfw

Marathon is a reimagining of Bungie's classic trilogy, set on Tau Ceti IV. Players, as Runners, compete for valuable alien artifacts in intense extraction matches, either solo or in teams of three. The original vision, as outlined by former director Chris Barrett, focused on PvP gameplay and player-driven narratives, though Ziegler hints at modernizations and story expansions.

The development journey has faced challenges, including a leadership change following Chris Barrett's departure and significant staff reductions at Bungie. Despite these setbacks, the update suggests development is progressing, albeit cautiously, with a planned release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, featuring cross-play and cross-save functionality. While a release date remains unannounced, the promise of expanded playtests in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for eager fans.