Marathon, the studio's highly-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to begin in October.
Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has undergone a bumpy creation process. In October 2024, Bungie stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in negative feedback, the studio revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.
Though the title has already encountered its fair share of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain their project avoids the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on Marathon" since June of this year. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to get an early look of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."
Given the fact that it's a private technical test, it's understandably limited access than, say, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the listed pre-requisites:
Applications are open now, and to be considered for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. Bungie will contact players who qualify and inform them of the next steps.
"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's full release, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."
More info about the technical test and the game itself can be found on the game's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the test (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the trial concludes.
"There will be a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio shared.
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