Home NewsMarathon: Bungie Unveils Sound Identity Behind Their Extractive Shooter Game

Marathon: Bungie Unveils Sound Identity Behind Their Extractive Shooter Game

by Sophie Laurent

Key Takeaways

Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark

  • Marathon, Bungies upcoming extraction shooter, features an original score that intertwines electronic textures, synthetic rhythms, and human vocal performances to create a unique, organic yet futuristic sound.
  • The games music strategy aims to evoke feelings of history, loss, and the eerie unknown, rather than simply setting an atmosphere. This is achieved through the use of MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controllers and human vocal performances treated as code or transmissions from a lost colony.
  • A live-service trial for Marathon will be held during Server Slam, from February 26 to March 2, allowing players to experience the game in near-launch conditions and unlock rewards. The event also marks the first time Bungie is testing Marathon as a live-service game.
  • Four tracks from the original score have been released on major streaming platforms, with the complete original score scheduled for release on March 6, 2026. A new gameplay trailer has also been released to preview the immersive soundscapes of Marathon.

Recommended products

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Bungie continues the unveiling of Marathon, its upcoming extraction shooter, with a new developer diary focused on the game’s sound identity. Composer Ryan Lott and Audio Director Chase Combs detail the influences and creative processes that shaped the game’s original score. Marathon, an action-packed shooter set on the exoplanet Tau Ceti IV, features a Player vs. Player (PvP) mode and a tactical gameplay loop emphasizing planning and quick decision-making. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game’s music intertwines electronic textures, synthetic rhythms, and human vocal performances to create an organic yet futuristic sound. Lott blends human vocal performances into Tau Ceti IV’s sonic fabric, treating them as code or transmissions from the lost colony. He also utilizes MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controllers. The game’s music strategy aims to evoke feelings of history, loss, and the eerie unknown, rather than simply setting an atmosphere. The game features procedural, adaptive soundtracks. To highlight their musical vision, Bungie has released four tracks from the original score on major streaming platforms: “Rhythm Of Writhing Constellations,” “Focused Erasures And Subroutine Resets,” “We Stole A Moon,” and an extended version of “Code Race.” The complete original score is scheduled for release on March 6, 2026.

Marathon Live-Service Trial Kicks Off at Server Slam: Preview Gameplay and Soundscapes

In addition, a new gameplay trailer for Marathon has been released. Bungie will also hold an open preview event called Server Slam, from February 26 at 7 PM CET to March 2 at 7 PM CET on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This event marks the first time Bungie is testing Marathon’s core concept as a live-service game. This trial phase allows players to experience the game in near-launch conditions and unlock rewards. Marathon is scheduled to launch on March 5 on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S. In the meantime, check out the developer diary video for a behind-the-scenes look at the game’s immersive soundscapes.

In Case You Missed It

While we’re still basking in the glow of our recent topic, I wanted to swiftly direct your attention towards a couple of exciting happenings in the gaming world. First off, Bruno Pferd has just unleashed an intriguing post titled “Bungie’s Marathon to be Free for Weekend Server Slam” Bungie’s Marathon to be Free for Weekend Server Slam. From February 26 to March 2, Bungie’s highly anticipated competitive multiplayer game, Marathon, will be open for preview across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms. With cross-play and cross-save functionality, you’ll get a taste of the initial contracts from five factions, six Runner Shells character types, proximity chat, team play options, and scoring sweet in-game rewards by completing the intro mission during the Server Slam event! Meanwhile, Marcus Thompson has just dropped a hot new article on “Marathon: Bungie Heats Up Servers, Stylish New Trailer” Marathon: Bungie Heats Up Servers, Stylish New Trailer. Published yesterday, it gives us a sneak peek into Marathon with an enticing French trailer and another intense Server Slam event on the horizon. Mark your calendars for February 26 to March 2 to participate in the open previews and score exclusive emblems and banners! In other news, Jonathan Dubinski delves deep into Bungie’s recent announcement over on Players for Life in his latest post from February 19th, “Destiny 2: Shadow and Order Delayed Three Months” Destiny 2: Shadow and Order Delayed Three Months. Head over there now to stay informed about the significant postponement of the upcoming update until June 9th, giving players more time to strategize and anticipate new features like weapon tier progression, Pantheon 2.0, and the return of Iron Banner.

Marathon: Bungie Unveils Sound Identity Behind Their Extractive Shooter Game 19a5316546c5f38e286292022f19267c 6

Specification
Official NameBungie Mac Action Sack
Brief SummaryBungie's Mac Action Sack collects six of the company's action games on one CD which comes in an actual sack made of cloth.

Games Included:

Minotaur: The Labyrinths of Crete
Pathways into Darkness
Abuse
Marathon
Marathon 2: Durandal
Marathon Infinity

PlatformsMac
ReleasedDecember 31, 1999
GenreShooter, Platform
LanguagesEnglish
GenreBungie

They also talk about it

Links to external sources for further reading

Have any thoughts?

Share your reaction or leave a quick response — we’d love to hear what you think!

You may also like