Overview of Marathon’s Launch Details
- Bungie’s new extraction shooter, Marathon, will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms.
- The game will not require Xbox and PC users to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, circumventing recent controversies related to this practice.
- Players may need to create a Bungie.net account to utilize cross-platform play and save capabilities.
Player-Friendly Decision Made by Bungie
Bungie has announced an encouraging update for fans awaiting the release of Marathon. Unlike other titles in the PlayStation ecosystem, this upcoming game will not enforce a PSN account requirement for players on Xbox Series X/S and PC. This decision is particularly significant given the backlash Sony faced in the past over similar account integration policies.
The Background of the PSN Account Controversy
Last year, Sony faced considerable criticism following its announcement that PSN accounts would be required for Helldivers 2 on PC. Due to the uproar, the company ultimately reassessed this policy. Despite this, the PSN linking requirement was still enforced in later PlayStation PC titles, including God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. Given that Marathon is being developed under Bungie’s ownership by Sony, concerns about a mandatory PSN account linking arose as the game is set to launch on multiple platforms.
Bungie’s Clarification on Account Linking
Addressing these concerns, Bungie’s development team confirmed through their official Discord channel that Marathon will not require players on Xbox and PC to link a PSN account. Instead, a Bungie.net account will likely be necessary, enabling the cross-platform and cross-save features that many players already associate with Bungie’s previous title, Destiny 2. This announcement is expected to alleviate the frustration among players who were dissatisfied with Sony’s previous mandates and could foster a more positive reception towards both Bungie and the game itself.
Marathon’s Account Linking Update for PC and Xbox Users
Bungie has confirmed that Marathon will not require a PlayStation Network account on PC and Xbox. Gameplay reveal this Saturday, April 12th @ 10AM PT. #Marathon #MarathontheGame pic.twitter.com/cE0kYS830H — KAMI (@Okami13_) April 10, 2025
Exciting Times Ahead for Bungie Fans
Anticipation is mounting as Bungie gears up for a dedicated gameplay showcase for Marathon on April 12. This event promises to unveil crucial details regarding gameplay mechanics, features, and possibly an official release date. With the reassurance that linking a PSN account is off the table, the outlook for Marathon appears positive heading into the upcoming showcase.
Understanding the Exemption from PSN Linking
The decision to exempt Marathon from the PSN account linking requirement can arguably be attributed to Bungie’s unique status within the industry. Although the studio is under Sony’s ownership, it operates independently and is not directly governed by the PlayStation Studios structure. This arrangement permits Bungie the freedom to develop and distribute games across diverse platforms, thereby aligning with their strategy to cater to a wider audience, including Xbox users.