Bungie has announced a postponement of its extraction shooter, Marathon, as the studio aims to enhance gameplay and incorporate additional features. This decision comes in light of mixed responses from players during the game’s alpha playtest and a plagiarism controversy that raised doubts about the uniqueness of the game’s art style. While the studio has not specified a new release date, it plans to provide updates on both the game’s development and the revised launch schedule this fall.
Marathon Delayed
In a development update released on its website on Tuesday, Bungie stated that it had carefully considered player feedback following the game’s reveal and the conclusion of its closed alpha playtests in May, leading to the decision to delay the release.
“We’ve taken this feedback seriously and recognize the necessity for more time to develop Marathon into a game that genuinely reflects the enthusiasm of our players. After extensive discussions among our development team, we have chosen to push back the September 23rd launch,” the studio shared.
“The alpha test provided us with invaluable insights to refine the game’s unique appeal—survival under pressure, intriguing mysteries, rich lore, raid-like endgame challenges, and Bungie’s signature FPS combat.”
“This additional time will empower our team to create the high-stakes, intense experience that Marathon aims to deliver. It’s essential for us to strengthen the relationship with our players, whose voices are crucial to our development process.”
Changes Coming to Marathon
Bungie indicated that it will conduct further closed playtests over the next few months while implementing updates and new features for testers. The studio outlined several changes intended for Marathon, particularly focusing on enhancing the survival elements of the gameplay. They aim to increase the challenge and engagement level of AI enemy encounters, make gameplay runs more rewarding, and intensify combat strategy and tension.
The narrative and environmental storytelling of Marathon will also undergo adjustments, including a darker tone that aligns with the themes of the original Marathon trilogy. Improvements to visual fidelity and the addition of social features like proximity chat are also on the agenda.
“Expect to hear from us later this Fall as we share updates on our progress and the revised release date,” the developer stated.
Marathon Plagiarism Controversy
Initially scheduled for release on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series S/X on September 23, the game is a modern take on Bungie’s classic Marathon trilogy from the 1990s. It features a team-based extraction format, where groups of three “Runners” compete against other teams and AI adversaries to secure improved gear and loot.
In recent weeks, Bungie faced plagiarism accusations from a Scottish artist who claimed that Marathon incorporated elements of her work without consent. Following these claims, Bungie acknowledged the incident, stating that a former employee had inadvertently included the artist’s work in the alpha build, without appropriate credit. The studio pledged to conduct a “thorough review” of all in-game assets and plans to reach out to the artist for a discussion and resolution.
The delay of Marathon marks yet another challenge for Sony as it continues to navigate its strategy for live service titles. Although the company has upcoming ‘games as a service’ projects like Marathon and Fairgame$, it has rolled back on its ambitious approach to the genre, canceling several live service initiatives in development at its first-party studios.
Last year, Sony took its live service shooter Concord offline after it failed to attract players post-launch, and the company also closed Firewalk Studios following unmet performance targets with the title.
