🔗 Share this article

Marathon, Bungie's highly-anticipated project, has made a reappearance with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced plans were to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests led to mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite the title has already encountered its fair share of controversies, the development team appears determined to make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the game's development is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an open beta. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the listed requirements:

• Apply via the official website
• Live in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Join the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

How to Apply

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the private trial, applicants must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also register via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by October 26th. Bungie will notify players who qualify and provide details of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio stated. "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, focused on the early player experience."

Additional Information

Additional details about the private trial and the actual experience can be located 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 public update on the state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.