Bungie to Conduct Technical Testing on Marathon Later This Month
Bungie has announced plans to conduct a closed technical test of its upcoming team extraction shooter, Marathon, from October 22-28. The invitation-only event is designed to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement before the game's eventual release.
According to Bungie, participants will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, preventing them from sharing any information about the game's status or features during the testing period. This move suggests that the studio is still in the early stages of development and wants to maintain secrecy around its progress.
The news marks a small step forward for Marathon, which was initially slated for a September 2025 release before being indefinitely delayed in June. Bungie cited the need to address player feedback from the closed alpha test conducted earlier this spring as the reason for the delay.
"We're committed to delivering an exceptional gaming experience, and we believe that this testing phase will help us achieve our goals," said a spokesperson for Bungie. "We appreciate the enthusiasm of our players and look forward to sharing more information about Marathon in due course."
Marathon is Bungie's first new title since the release of Destiny 2 in 2017, and its development has been shrouded in controversy. The game's alpha build was criticized for using stolen artwork, which sparked concerns about the studio's attention to detail and commitment to originality.
The technical test will provide an opportunity for Bungie to gather feedback on the game's performance, mechanics, and overall polish. While the exact scope of the testing phase is unclear, it is likely that participants will be asked to engage with various aspects of the game, including its multiplayer features and level design.
In related news, industry analysts have expressed mixed opinions about Bungie's decision to delay Marathon. Some have praised the studio for taking a cautious approach and prioritizing quality over meeting an arbitrary release deadline.
"Bungie is taking a smart approach by delaying Marathon and focusing on getting it right," said Michael Pachter, a gaming analyst at Wedbush Securities. "The game industry is highly competitive, and players expect high-quality experiences. By taking the time to refine Marathon, Bungie can set itself up for success in the long run."
Others have expressed concerns about the delay, citing the potential impact on player enthusiasm and the studio's reputation.
"The delay of Marathon may be seen as a setback by some fans, but it's essential for Bungie to prioritize quality over meeting an arbitrary release deadline," said a spokesperson for the Entertainment Software Association. "We applaud Bungie's commitment to delivering an exceptional gaming experience and look forward to seeing the final product."
As the technical test approaches, players will be eagerly awaiting any updates or insights into Marathon's development. While the exact details of the testing phase remain unclear, one thing is certain: Bungie is committed to delivering a high-quality game that meets the expectations of its fans.
The current status of Marathon remains uncertain, but with this latest development, it's clear that Bungie is making progress on its ambitious project. As the studio continues to refine and polish the game, players can expect more information about Marathon in due course.
*Reporting by Engadget.*
