🔗 Share this article

Marathon, Bungie's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, Bungie announced plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, following initial testing resulted in mixed reactions, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite the title has already encountered its portion of issues, the development team appears determined to make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Now, it appears the project's progress is moving forward again, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, for example, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the listed requirements:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Join their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, players must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also register via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by October 26th. The developer will contact selected participants and inform them of the next steps.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a portion of what's planned for the game's full release, focused on the early player experience."

Further Details

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on the game's support section. But for individuals who aren't selected for the test (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio shared.