Is Marathon truly under a curse? While the original title built a devoted following, Bungie’s modern revival has been navigating a series of significant challenges. The game’s initial technical test was, by many accounts, a stumble, prompting developers to re-evaluate the project’s direction and delay its release. We’ve also seen leadership shifts, including a new creative director, Julia Nardin, taking the helm from Steve Cotton. Now, Bungie is rolling out another technical test, but this time, don’t expect any widespread chatter about it online.
Just like its predecessor, this October playtest for Marathon will be strictly under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This means you shouldn’t anticipate any leaked gameplay footage or early impressions from journalists, content creators, or even your friends.
A video showcasing Marathon gameplay was originally embedded here, featuring a helmeted Bungie character holding a pistol towards the sky, but due to confidentiality, its content cannot be publicly shared.
Previously, after the first test hit some rough patches, Bungie did lift the restrictions, allowing participants to share their experiences freely. However, it’s highly unlikely that this will happen again. If you’re eager to see what Bungie has been working on for the past six months, your best bet is to get into the test yourself!
Your best chance to experience the redesigned Marathon is by applying for the October closed technical test. Think of it as a lottery – participants are chosen randomly. This exclusive playtest will run from Wednesday, October 22, to Tuesday, October 28. To enter, you’ll need to submit an application through the Bungie website or via Steam.
This upcoming test promises to feature three distinct maps, five unique runner shells, and integrated proximity chat. Players can also expect re-tuned combat pacing, a dedicated solo queue, and more opportunities for environmental storytelling. While it’s still a work in progress, the community is hoping for a significant step up from April’s version.
The Marathon closed technical test is scheduled from Wednesday, October 22, to Tuesday, October 28. You can submit your application on the Bungie website until Thursday, October 16, or through Steam between Monday, October 13, and Sunday, October 26.
If you don’t manage to secure a spot in the test or simply can’t wait for Marathon’s official launch, there are many other excellent multiplayer games to explore that offer similar experiences.
Are you still excited for Marathon despite its challenging journey through development? Join our vibrant community Discord server to share your thoughts and discuss the latest gaming news with fellow enthusiasts!