Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the acclaimed developer behind *Destiny* and *Halo*, officially announced the release date for its upcoming title *Marathon* during a dedicated gameplay reveal showcase. Set to launch on **September 23, 2025**, *Marathon* is shaping up to be a bold reimagining of the classic franchise, blending competitive multiplayer action with immersive world-building. Read on to learn more about what’s in store, including details from the gameplay showcase and the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.

Returning to Tau Ceti

During the April 13 gameplay reveal stream, Bungie introduced *Marathon* as a first-person extraction shooter where six teams of three players battle both AI enemies and rival squads to secure loot and extract successfully. This marks a dramatic shift from the original *Marathon* trilogy, which began in 1994 with a strong emphasis on narrative-driven, single-player experiences. The new direction embraces fast-paced, strategic multiplayer gameplay while still honoring the series’ deep lore and atmospheric storytelling heritage.

In a PlayStation.blog post published the day before the showcase, the development team shared insights into how they're integrating story elements into this new gameplay model. According to *Marathon* Narrative Lead Jonathan Goff, the goal isn’t to deliver a linear story but to create a dynamic "story engine." He explained that the original trilogy was known for its layered narratives, mystery, and environmental storytelling—qualities Bungie aims to preserve through emergent player experiences rather than scripted events.

Making Marathon a "Story Engine"

One of the standout aspects of *Marathon* revealed during the showcase was its economic system, where every item has a sell value and clear visual indicators help players identify valuable loot. However, Bungie emphasized that accumulating wealth isn't the sole focus of the game. Instead, the experience is designed to generate memorable moments—whether you succeed or fail.

Game Director Joe Ziegler described the vision during a recent interview with PC Gamer, stating, “What we're trying to do is ask, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?' Some of the best moments I’ve had in survival games were failures or unexpected events.” By designing each match to be unpredictable and filled with opportunities for unique stories, *Marathon* aims to become a playground for unforgettable player-driven narratives.

Working With Fans and Creators

Throughout development, Bungie has collaborated closely with fans and content creators to refine the game. Early playtests highlighted several issues, such as spawn camping and uneven loot distribution, which led the team to rework key mechanics. As a result, each match now begins with a level playing field, ensuring fair competition and allowing teams to strategize effectively before diving into the chaos.

Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest

From **April 23 to May 4**, Bungie will run a closed alpha test limited to players in the U.S. and Canada. The alpha will feature four playable characters known as Runners: Blackbird (similar to a Warlock), Void (with tactical invisibility), Locus (equipped with a shield), and Glitch (noted for high mobility). Three maps will be available—Perimeter (woodland setting for 15 players) and Dire Marsh (open map for 18 players).

To participate, players must join the official *Marathon* Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the `/alpha` command. Due to the closed nature of the test, invitations are not guaranteed. This initial phase serves as the first public exposure to the game ahead of its September 2025 launch across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.