Bungie has announced that the release of Marathon, previously scheduled for September 23, will no longer proceed as initially planned. Following feedback from alpha version testers, the producer has decided to postpone the game’s release in order to implement several changes. A new release date will be communicated once these adjustments are finalized.
“We appreciate both the enthusiastic feedback on the revelation of Marathon and during the Alpha test, as well as your patience as we take the time to listen carefully and plan our next steps,” wrote Bungie on their official website.
In all real-time comments and conversations on social media and Discord, your voice was strong and clear. We take this seriously and recognize that we need more time to turn Marathon into a game that truly reflects your passion. After much discussion with our development team, we have decided to postpone the launch until after September 23rd.
The Alpha test provided an opportunity for us to calibrate the game and focus on what will make it uniquely engaging: high-pressure survival scenarios, mystery and lore at every turn, endgame challenges similar to raids, and Bungie’s first-person shooter (FPS) combat that defines the genre. We are using this period to empower our team to create an intense, high-risk experience that Marathon is built upon. This involves deepening the relationship between developers and the most important voices in the game: our players.
After some teasers, Marathon was unveiled in April and received a largely negative public reception, with players expressing clear disinterest in another multiplayer extraction game. Weeks later, Bungie faced significant criticism regarding its work environment, poor alpha test feedback, and a plagiarism accusation concerning the game’s visual identity, which is reportedly an exact copy of work by a Scottish artist.
The alpha tests will continue to be conducted by Bungie as updates are implemented in the coming months. The producer has identified the following immediate focus areas for Marathon:
Bungie has announced a postponement of the Marathon release, which was originally set for September 23, following feedback from alpha testers. The development team intends to implement significant changes aimed at enhancing high-pressure survival gameplay elements, deepening the game’s mystery and lore, developing endgame challenges similar to raids, and refining Bungie’s signature first-person shooter combat mechanics. This decision comes after negative reception during the April unveiling and subsequent alpha testing phases, as well as other recent controversies involving work environment reports and plagiarism allegations. Alpha testing will continue with updates planned for the coming months, with a focus on these key areas to improve the overall player experience in both single-player and cooperative modes, while also incorporating new social features such as Prox Chat for more immersive storytelling.
Bungie expects to define a new release date during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring following the postponement of Marathon, which was initially scheduled for September 23 due to negative feedback from alpha testers. The developer plans to use this additional time to refine the game, focusing on high-pressure survival mechanics, engaging lore, challenging endgame content, and Bungie’s signature first-person shooter combat. Key areas of improvement include enhancing AI encounters, introducing new loot types, deepening narrative elements, increasing visual fidelity, and integrating more social experiences. Alpha tests will continue with updates over the coming months as the team works to create a game that embodies Marathon’s intended intensity and reflects player passion. This decision follows initial negative reception of the game’s concept and controversies surrounding the studio’s work environment and alleged plagiarism accusations.
