Destiny 2 Expansion: Marathon Regains Momentum after Hiatus

After a year of silence, Bungie's Game Director finally offered an update on their upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon. Initially revealed in 2023, details have been scarce until now.

Bungie's Marathon: A Developer Update

Release Date Distant, But Playtests Planned for 2025

For over a year, Bungie remained tight-lipped about *Marathon*, their sci-fi extraction shooter. Unveiled at May 2023's PlayStation Showcase, the title rekindled memories of Bungie's pre-*Halo* era while captivating a new generation. However, subsequent information was minimal. Finally, Bungie provided a much-anticipated update.

Game Director Joe Ziegler addressed community concerns directly. He confirmed Marathon is Bungie's take on the extraction shooter genre. While gameplay footage remained absent, Ziegler assured the game is progressing well, undergoing significant revisions based on extensive player testing. He hinted at a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners" with unique abilities.

Two Runners, "Thief" and "Stealth," were showcased via screenshots, their names suggesting their respective playstyles.

Larger-scale playtests are anticipated in 2025. While Bungie may have conducted smaller internal tests, broader participation is planned. Ziegler stated, "We aim to significantly increase player numbers in each testing phase, providing more opportunities for community involvement."

Specific playtest dates are undisclosed, but Ziegler urged fans to wishlist the game on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation to signal interest and facilitate communication.

Marathon: A Game Overview

*Marathon* reimagines Bungie's 1990s trilogy. It marks Bungie's most significant departure from the *Destiny* franchise in over a decade. According to former director Chris Barrett, it's not a direct sequel but shares the same universe and embodies the feel of a classic Bungie game.

Barrett noted that prior knowledge of the original Marathon games isn't required, but fans will find familiar references.

Set on Tau Ceti IV, Marathon is a high-stakes extraction shooter where players (Runners) compete for survival, wealth, and glory. They can team up or play solo, scavenging for alien artifacts and valuable loot. However, competition from other teams and perilous extractions are constant threats.

Barrett originally stated the game would be PvP-focused with no single-player campaign, emphasizing player-driven narratives. While Ziegler's vision may differ, he confirmed the addition of elements to modernize the game and establish a new story within a continuously updated world.

Gameplay footage remains under wraps until Bungie is satisfied with the final product. Marathon is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play and cross-save functionality.

Marathon's Development: A Look Behind the Scenes

In March 2024, Chris Barrett, the initial project lead, was reportedly dismissed following accusations of misconduct, as reported by Bloomberg. Joe Ziegler then took over as game director, potentially impacting development direction. Ziegler previously directed Riot Games’ Valorant.

Further complicating matters, Bungie experienced significant layoffs this year, affecting approximately 17% of its workforce. This undoubtedly slowed Marathon's development.

While a 2025 release seems distant, the announcement of expanded playtests offers a glimmer of hope. The developer update suggests development is progressing, despite the challenges faced by Bungie.