"Become a runner in Bungie's new sci-fi PvP extraction shooter. Compete for survival, riches, and renown in a world of evolving, persistent zones, where any run can lead to greatness."
Marathon is an upcoming sci-fi PvP extraction shooter video game currently being developed by Bungie.[1] First announced at PlayStation Showcase 2023, it will be set in the same universe as the Marathon Trilogy, but it will not be a direct sequel.[3] and has been referred to as a reboot.[4]
The game will be sold for $40 USD.[2]
Plot[]
"A massive ghost ship hangs in low orbit over a lost colony on Tau Ceti IV. The 30,000 souls who call this place home have disappeared without a trace. Strange signals hint at mysterious artifacts, long-dormant AI, and troves of untold riches. You are a runner, venturing into the unknown in a fight for fame… and infamy. Who among you will write their names across the stars?"[1]
- Description from official website
Marathon takes place in 2850 on Tau Ceti. Players assume the role of Runners.[5]
Gameplay[]
The game is an extraction shooter, where players attempt to loot and extract safely while battling enemies.[6] Players choose from pre-existing hero characters,[4] each of whom is a character with a specific personality and unique abilities. They can extract gear in-game.[2] Players can earn buffs from XP that can apply to all characters in different changeable skill trees. Universal implants can be slotted into heroes for further characterization, though some may be character specific.[7]
Puzzles and secrets can be found in the game.[7]
Development[]
Marathon was first revealed by Bungie on May 24, 2023. Prior to release, it was among a number of rumored or partially confirmed games the company was trying to get out before the end of 2025. It has been confirmed that Marathon is not the same project as Matter, which is a different Bungie IP.[4]
Development of the game was delayed in 2024. While originally the game featured customizable characters, the game was changed to feature selectable heroes.[4] The switch to the hero format reduced the amount of puzzles and secrets originally found in-game. However, the game's art and aesthetic remained consistent throughout development.[7]
In September 2024, the Marathon team consisted of 300 people, while the majority of Bungie's staff remained focused on Destiny 2.[7]
Playtests were held in late 2024, where a number of content creators were invited to play the game. The playtesters were allowed to talk about their experience with the game, albeit without specific details.[2]
The game will have a reveal in spring, 2025.[7]
Reception[]
The game's reveal was met with controversy given its nature as an extraction-shooter. The shift to a hero system was similarly controversial.[4]
Gallery[]
Video[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 https://marathonthegame.com
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/10/12/marathon-playtests-revealed-by-bungie-creators-as-2025-launch-looms/
- ↑ https://www.bungie.net/7/en/News/article/slrecap
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 https://gamerant.com/marathon-destiny-2-bungie-cast-heroes-bad-why/
- ↑ https://gamerant.com/bungie-marathon-new-delay-rumor/
- ↑ https://gamerant.com/bungie-marathon-game-director-replaced-valorant
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/09/18/new-marathon-details-on-heroes-price-and-radio-silence/