Upcoming Marathon: Launch Date, Previews, and All Details About Bungie's Extraction Shooter Title
Let's dive into the insanely anticipated return of the sci-fi shooter franchise, Marathon! Following the success of Halo and Destiny, developer Bungie is now reviving its first sci-fi franchise, focusing on high-octane multiplayer action. So, why should you care about the absence of intricate plots and single-player adventures? Well, two simple reasons: Bungie is a master of first-person shooters in the modern era and the game's striking art direction is simply stunning!
The art style seamlessly blends the artsy cyberpunk vibes of Destiny and Bungie's new concept called 'graphic realism'. This tantalizing combination of vibrant colors, futuristic designs, and a dark alien setting creates a truly one-of-a-kind visual experience. We can hardly wait to get our hands on this masterpiece when it releases later this year!
But, as with any development project, Marathon has its fair share of obstacles. The recent closed alpha tests haven't received glowing feedback and Bungie has been embroiled in a plagiarism scandal, allegedly using copied art throughout the game, reportedly causing "all-time low" morale at the company. All of this speculation has led to whispers of a possible delay.
However, despite these hiccups, we remain hopeful that Sony and Bungie can iron things out before the game's official launch. In the meantime, there are plenty of other upcoming games to keep us entertained!
Platform Availability
Marathon will grace PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S when it launches. Keep in mind that this is a current-gen exclusive, so PS4 and Xbox One gamers will sadly miss out. However, you can still team up with friends on different platforms thanks to cross-play and cross-progression!
Gameplay and Trailers
- Teaser Trailer: The first teaser was released on May 24, 2023, giving us a taste of the rebooted universe's aesthetic. Watch it here.
- Reveal Event: On April 12, 2025, Bungie held a major re-reveal event showcasing a gameplay reveal trailer, a gameplay overview trailer, a cinematic short introducing the 'Runners', and the alpha's intro cinematic. Enjoy them all below:Gameplay Reveal Trailer | Gameplay Overview Trailer | Cinematic Short | Alpha Intro Cinematic
The New Marathon: An Overview
- While Christopher Barrett, the game director, confirms that the new Marathon game isn't a direct sequel, it shares the same universe.
- The game favors PvPvE online multiplayer gameplay, allowing solo play but requiring a connection for a fully immersive experience.
- Matches consist of teams of up to three players invading a large map packed with AI enemies, rival teams, and resources needed for upgrades and rank advancement.
- Teams need to secure valuable resources, loot, and weapons before extracting them while simultaneously fending off enemy forces. Losing valuables means losing points, while successful extractions lead to impressive upgrades!
Get ready for a thrilling, heart-pounding multiplayer adventure when Marathon launches later this year. For the latest news and updates about Marathon, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!
The game's unique blend of modern art direction and the allure of intense multiplayer action is set to make Marathon an exciting addition to the current market of technology-driven entertainment. In between the speculation surrounding potential delays, we can still look forward to engaging in sports-like competition with friends across different platforms, as Marathon promises cross-play and cross-progression support. Additionally, the prospect of captivating news about Marathon's development can keep fans occupied until its official launch.
