After delays and controversy, Bungie is trying everything to save its latest project, Marathon.
Bungie is quietly working to revive Marathon, and things are starting to heat up behind the scenes. According to recent reports, the studio has sent out invites for the third closed playtest and a 30-day user research study, showing that Bungie’s still working on development despite delays. The release date remains somewhat uncertain, as Sony is also unsure whether the game will be released in the upcoming fiscal year.
The closed playtest for Marathon is scheduled from September 3 to September 5, while the month-long research study runs from September 8 to October 7. Participants will need to dedicate an hour of playtime each day, 3 to 7 P.M. PST on weekdays and 2 to 8 P.M. PST on weekends.
Daily and weekly surveys will track player feedback, and to top it off, a $500 gift card from Bungie will be awarded once the study concludes. If someone doesn’t meet the playtime requirements, they’ll still be compensated with their fair share.
It’s clear Bungie is taking this very seriously. They are pulling every trick they possibly can, but only one can be the rabbit out of the hat that will give Marathon a fighting chance. They’re doing everything they can to turn it into a success, but fans still can’t shake off the caution because, well, we are all aware of the tumultuous history of the game.
And honestly, you can’t really blame the fans for being skeptical. It’s one of those projects that had potential, something that could have been really exciting, but it’s been caught in controversy and delays. At the end of the day, it feels like Bungie may need to pivot and focus on something bigger, perhaps a Destiny 3, to really change their fortunes.
If you still care for the Marathon title, this is the perfect opportunity to participate and give feedback. Bungie is committed to trying again, and the next few months will be crucial in determining whether or not Marathon can redeem itself.
