Bungie has officially unveiled its highly anticipated game, Marathon, a PVP-centric extraction shooter that promises to engage players in thrilling gameplay. Set for release on September 23, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Marathon aims to offer a unique gaming experience that combines teamwork, strategy, and competitive play.
In a bid to refine the game before its official launch, Bungie will host a Closed Alpha Test from April 23 to May 4, 2025. This playtest is an exciting opportunity for players in North America and Canada, aged 18 and up, to get an early look at the game and provide valuable feedback. However, not everyone who wishes to participate will be able to join, as entry is limited.
To sign up for the Closed Alpha Test, players must follow a specific process. First, they need to head to the official Marathon Discord server. Once there, participants should ensure they are signed in to the account they want to receive an invitation on. In the #alpha_access channel, they will need to type the command “/alpha” to express their interest in participating. After that, players will be prompted to sign in to Bungie.net and fill out a Closed Alpha Test sign-up survey.
This survey will ask for information about players’ gaming habits, including their preferred platform and experience with past Bungie games. It’s important to note that filling out the survey does not guarantee a spot in the alpha, as invites will be sent out selectively at the start of the test and continuously throughout the two-week period.
Participants will also need to connect a platform account to their Bungie account, which will be permanently linked for the duration of their Marathon experience. Moreover, individuals who are selected will have to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which prohibits them from sharing any gameplay footage or discussing the content of the Closed Alpha publicly.
The Closed Alpha Test is designed primarily to test the technical capabilities of the game and gather feedback from players. Bungie has emphasized that this will be a fairly small playtest, and they anticipate that many eager players may not be able to join this time around. However, they have hinted at larger public playtests in the future as the game’s release date approaches.
Marathon is set in a vibrant world where teams of three players, known as Runners, will engage in scavenging hunts to find powerful relics, equipment, and gear. Each Runner will have unique abilities and playstyles, adding depth to the gameplay. During the alpha, players can expect access to a limited selection of Runners and contracts, which are quests that help enhance relationships with various factions within the game.
The game is expected to be approximately 6GB in size, and players interested in participating should ensure their systems meet the minimum requirements. For PC players, the specifications include an Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of Marathon, Bungie’s approach to involving players in the development process reflects a growing trend in the industry. By utilizing closed alpha and beta tests, developers can refine their games based on real player feedback, ultimately creating a more polished final product.
In conclusion, Marathon is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the world of team-based shooters, and the upcoming Closed Alpha Test offers a unique chance for players to engage with the game before its official launch. As Bungie prepares for the September release, players are encouraged to sign up and potentially be part of this thrilling experience.
