Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, is set to make waves in the gaming community with its unique pricing model. The game, which has been generating buzz following its gameplay reveal, is expected to cost around $40, a departure from the free-to-play model many gamers have come to expect from multiplayer titles.
In a recent episode of the Friends Per Second podcast, Joe Ziegler, the head of development for Marathon, elaborated on the rationale behind this decision. He emphasized that the game is crafted to be engaging and worthy of players’ attention, stating, "We want players to see something exciting in our game. We are striving to create a truly cool project, and we believe the current concept is strong enough." This commitment to quality is central to Bungie’s vision for Marathon.
As Ziegler explained, the team plans to support the game with seasonal updates that will enhance the experience without raising the base price. "We hope that what we’re showing is captivating enough for someone to decide to join us, but we also intend to release seasons that allow for continuous development of the game without increasing the price," he noted. This approach aims to attract players based on the game’s quality rather than a free-to-play model, which has become commonplace in the industry.
Despite the excitement surrounding Marathon, the exact price point has yet to be officially confirmed, with Bungie planning to unveil it in summer 2025. However, industry speculation suggests the game will retail for approximately $40, aligning it with other titles like Helldivers 2.
Many gamers have expressed curiosity about Bungie’s decision to charge for Marathon, especially given the success of its predecessor, Destiny 2, which adopted a free-to-play model. Ziegler addressed this concern, explaining that the decision stems from a desire to create a game that players would find genuinely engaging. He remarked, "Everyone has their own understanding of what the 'right price' is, and we hope to attract players with the quality of our game."
The anticipation for Marathon continues to build, with its release date set for September 23, 2025. Players can expect a closed beta test to take place on April 23, 2025, providing an early glimpse into the game’s features. Ziegler described Marathon as a fantastic evacuation shooter featuring dynamic gameplay, unique maps, a progression system, and diverse classes. This combination is designed to keep players engaged and invested in the game long-term.
Interestingly, the discussion around Marathon reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where many developers are exploring different pricing models. The creators of the arcade football simulator Rematch have also commented on this shift, arguing that the success of online games depends more on quality than on pricing strategies. This perspective aligns with Bungie’s approach, as they aim to deliver a high-quality experience that justifies its cost.
As the gaming landscape evolves, Marathon stands out as an exception to the norm, challenging the notion that multiplayer games must be free to thrive. Bungie’s commitment to developing a captivating experience without increasing costs post-launch may set a new precedent in the industry.
Looking ahead, the gaming community is eager to see how Marathon will perform in a competitive market filled with free-to-play titles. With its unique offering and Bungie’s reputation for quality, the game is poised to carve out its niche among players who are willing to pay for an exceptional gaming experience.
As the launch date approaches, players are encouraged to keep an eye on Bungie’s updates and prepare for what promises to be an exciting addition to their gaming library. The anticipation is palpable, and with the potential for seasonal content that enhances gameplay, Marathon could very well redefine expectations for paid multiplayer experiences.
