Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to take place soon.
First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has undergone a bumpy creation process. Last fall, Bungie announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests led to negative feedback, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.
Despite the title has already encountered its fair share of issues, the development team appears determined to make certain Marathon avoids the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, allowing additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."
Considering it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the listed pre-requisites:
Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, applicants must submit their application by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also register via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. Bungie will contact selected participants and provide details of the next steps.
"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for Marathon's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."
More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on the game's help page. But for players who don't qualify for the test (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.
"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie shared.
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Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez