Bungie's Troubled Action Game Project Marathon Is Making a Comeback

The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's highly-anticipated game, has reared its head again with the announcement of a closed technical test scheduled to take place soon.

A Challenging Path to Launch

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. Last fall, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing resulted in mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite the title has already seen its portion of issues, the development team appears committed to ensure Marathon avoids the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to get an early look of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to October 28th — players must satisfy the listed requirements:

• Apply via their platform
• Reside in supported regions
• Own a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the technical test, applicants must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also register via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by October 26th. 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, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," Bungie said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's full release, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

Additional details about the technical test and the game itself can be located on the game's support section. But for individuals who aren't selected for the test (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: The developer says a public update on the state of the game is the following item on the agenda once the trial concludes.

"There will be a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.