Overview
- Bungie’s Marathon seeks to introduce a distinctive experience that does not mimic leading extraction shooters, such as Escape from Tarkov.
- The game is designed to be more accessible than traditional extraction shooters.
- Marathon aims to leave a mark in the gaming world with its cyberpunk aesthetic, setting it apart from the typical military simulation environments prevalent in the genre.
Bungie’s Marathon is set to challenge conventional norms within the extraction shooter genre by delivering a refreshingly unique gameplay experience. Joe Ziegler, the director of Marathon, has emphasized that the aim is not to compete directly with established titles in the space. He argues that the current landscape of extraction shooters presents inherent challenges, particularly for newcomers.
Initially revealed in May 2023, Marathon showcased its gameplay for the first time on April 12, 2025, during a live stream event where the official release date was announced for September 23, 2025. This live event marked the beginning of a comprehensive marketing strategy, highlighted by a series of interviews featuring Ziegler, including a notable discussion with YouTuber Jake Lucky.
Marathon Will Not Compete Directly with Escape from Tarkov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTSnXKDpQvEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTSnXKDpQvE
“I don’t think of making games as directly competing and trying to eat a bunch of other people’s lunch,”Ziegler stated. He acknowledged that critics might see this viewpoint as naive but asserted that Marathon will not strive to mirror the success of Escape from Tarkov, the reigning champion in the extraction shooter category. Ziegler believes that merely emulating successful games fails to resonate because players inclined to engage with a particular title will simply stick with the original.
Marathon Intends to Bring Better Accessibility
In line with this strategy, Bungie is taking an unconventional approach with Marathon, aiming for a product that appeals broadly to gamers. Key features that differentiate Marathon from typical extraction shooters include its vibrant cyberpunk theme and the intentional omission of proximity chat, which Ziegler believes can contribute to a less toxic environment. Moreover, the game is designed to be immediately engaging, countering the common trend of steep learning curves associated with extraction shooters.
“I don’t think of making games as like directly competing and trying to eat a bunch of other people’s lunch,”he reiterated, emphasizing his team’s determination to create an inviting gaming experience.
Although the official launch is still several months away, eager fans will have the opportunity to participate in a closed alpha testing phase beginning on April 23 and concluding on May 4. Initially available only in North America, Bungie plans to expand future tests to a more global audience. Upon launch, players can explore three diverse maps and select from six unique classes. It’s important to note that Marathon is not intended to be free-to-play, and early indications suggest it will be priced around $40, placing it somewhere in between a typical budget and premium game tier.