Bungie's Marathon-Themed Extraction Shooter Breaks Silence

Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi extraction shooter, Marathon, finally emerges from radio silence with a developer update. After a year of quiet, Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed the project remains "on track," despite significant internal changes at Bungie. Initially unveiled at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon reboots the classic franchise for a new generation, blending nostalgia with modern gameplay.

Ziegler's update, while light on gameplay specifics, revealed key details. He confirmed a class-based system featuring customizable "Runners," showcasing two examples: "Thief" and "Stealth," hinting at diverse playstyles. While no gameplay footage was shown, Ziegler emphasized significant gameplay revisions based on extensive player testing.

The update also confirmed plans for expanded playtests in 2025, offering a chance for broader community involvement. Ziegler encouraged players to wishlist the game on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox to signal interest and facilitate communication about future updates.

A significant shift occurred mid-development. The original director, Chris Barrett, departed from Bungie, leading to Joe Ziegler's appointment. This transition, coupled with company-wide layoffs, undoubtedly impacted the development timeline. Despite these challenges, Ziegler assures players that Marathon is progressing and incorporates modernized elements, including a new storyline and world designed for ongoing updates.

Marathon, slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promises cross-play and cross-save functionality. While a concrete release date remains undisclosed, the developer update provides a much-needed glimpse into the game's progress and a renewed sense of anticipation for this ambitious project. The absence of a single-player campaign, as initially planned, remains unconfirmed under Ziegler's leadership. The focus remains firmly on PvP, with emphasis on player-driven narratives interwoven within the overarching game story.