Bungie’s highly anticipated game, Marathon, is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025. This innovative sci-fi extraction first-person shooter (FPS) seeks to modernize the genre while paying homage to the developer’s classic title from 1994. The gameplay was first showcased during livestreams on April 12, 2025, through platforms like Twitch and YouTube, igniting discussions across the gaming community.
Notably, content creator @SynthPotato expressed concerns regarding the game on X, highlighting a potential mismatch between Marathon’s paid model and free-to-play giants like Warzone, Apex Legends, and Fortnite. A response from user @GRIMMYRAX highlighted a positive outlook on Bungie’s capabilities within Sony’s live service initiative, referencing the success of Helldivers 2:
“People had the same thought process for Helldivers 2 and that went on to become PlayStation’s fastest selling video game of all time + Best Multiplayer Game of 2024. If anyone can succeed in Sony’s live service initiative, it’s Bungie. They’ve never missed before.”
Synth Potato’s perspective sparked a conversation. In contrast, fan @Ririjuro defended Marathon, stating that it offers a more nuanced gameplay experience that extends beyond mere comparisons with popular battle royale games:
“As a Bungie fan and a fan of the classic trilogy, I think it looks really good. Hard to compare it with Warzone or Apex, it’s no BR it’s an extraction Shooter where also Fractions, Eco-Systems and Markets play a huge role. And I’d rather pay for it than have a sh***y BP in it.”
Meanwhile, @DqRoman1 chimed in to critique the community’s discourse, suggesting that varying preferences in gaming genres indicate that Marathon could cultivate its dedicated player base:
“‘There’s no reason you’d play this over Fortnite’ is the equivalent of saying ‘why are people playing Marvel Rivals when you can play Rocket League’—two completely separate genres with virtually nothing in common.”
On the other hand, user @gazntyno voiced enthusiasm for the game, emphasizing that Marathon differentiates itself from conventional battle royales:
“I’d happily pay for this game. It offers something different from a normal BR since it’s an extraction game.”
Content creator @LemurFTW further contributed to the conversation, suggesting that the reasons for choosing Marathon over other games may come down to personal preference:
Key Insights on Bungie’s Marathon
Bungie’s Marathon not only revives the legacy of its 1994 predecessor but also boasts modern enhancements in gameplay mechanics and graphics. Players will assume the role of cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners, each equipped with unique skills and abilities, aligning with the contemporary hero-shooter design.
The game adopts an extraction-shooter format. Teams of up to three players will explore zones to collect loot while competing against other players and AI adversaries, all while striving to extract successfully with their spoils.
Set in a futuristic environment, Marathon immerses players in the world of Tau Ceti IV, humanity’s first extra-solar colony within the Marathon universe. The title derives its name from the UESC Marathon, the fictional spacecraft that transported humans to this pioneering planet.
For those eager to experience the game before its official launch, the Closed Alpha Test is scheduled to commence on April 23, 2025, with registration currently open to interested players.
Explore more about Bungie’s Marathon and join the excitement by checking out the source for additional insights on this forthcoming title.