🔗 Share this article

The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was re-revealed in April with a planned September release. However, following initial testing resulted in negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though the title has already encountered its portion of controversies, the development team appears determined to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Currently, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is expanding access, enabling additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Given the fact that it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, say, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to October 28th — participants must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the private trial, players must submit their application by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also register via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify players who qualify and provide details of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and more," Bungie said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the game itself can be found on the game's support section. But for players who don't qualify for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a public update on Marathon's development in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie announced.