Bungie has officially unveiled its latest project, Marathon, during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, reigniting excitement among fans who have speculated about a revival since 2022. The futuristic announcement trailer showcased the game as a team-based extraction shooter, a genre that has gained immense popularity in recent years.
The original Marathon, released in 1994, was a significant milestone for Bungie, marking one of its first big successes. Following the original title, Marathon 2: Durandal was launched in 1995, and Marathon Infinity followed in 1996. However, it wasn't until the release of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001 that Bungie truly broke into the mainstream gaming scene. Now, with the new Marathon, Bungie aims to blend nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics.
Excitingly, players won’t have to wait long to experience the game. Bungie has announced that the launch date for Marathon is set for September 23, 2025. However, eager gamers can get a head start by participating in the Closed Alpha test, which begins on April 23, 2025. This testing phase allows players to engage with the game ahead of its official release, albeit under strict conditions.
To sign up for the Closed Alpha test, players must join the official Marathon server on Discord. There, they will receive the Alpha testing code, which allows them to dive into the game. Bungie has emphasized that this Closed Alpha is under an NDA Playtest, meaning participants cannot share gameplay footage publicly. However, players fortunate enough to receive access codes can invite two friends to join them in the testing phase, enhancing the communal gaming experience.
As of now, the Closed Alpha test is limited to players in North America, specifically for PS5 users, as the Alpha Test is region-locked to North and South America. This exclusivity has already stirred discussions among fans eager to see how the game will evolve through community feedback.
Bungie has committed to engaging actively with players through the Discord channel, including conducting live Q&As to discuss the project directly with the community. This approach reflects Bungie’s dedication to fostering a strong relationship with its player base, ensuring that feedback is considered as the game develops.
In addition to its nostalgic roots, Marathon is set to be accessible across multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S and PC, with cross-play support. This move aligns with current trends in gaming, where cross-platform functionality has become increasingly important for player engagement and community building.
The announcement of Marathon comes in the wake of Sony's acquisition of Bungie in 2022, marking this title as Bungie's first significant release under the new ownership. As anticipation builds for the game’s launch, it will be interesting to see how it competes with other major releases set for the same day, including Borderlands 4.
As the gaming community gears up for the Closed Alpha test, many are left wondering how the game will resonate with both long-time fans of the original Marathon and newcomers to the franchise. With Bungie's track record of successful titles, expectations are high for this new venture.
Players interested in participating in the Closed Alpha should keep an eye on the official Marathon Discord channel for updates and announcements. As Bungie continues to share more information about the game, excitement is sure to grow, setting the stage for a robust gaming experience come September 2025.
