After years of silence and speculation, the long-awaited video game development company Bungie has finally revealed its highly anticipated title, Marathon, A reimagining of the classic 1994 first-person shooter trilogy, is on the way. The new sci-fi PvP extraction shooter is set to launch on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Players can sign up now for the closed alpha, which begins on April 23
Bungie New Marathon Game: Details & Release Info
Marathon is set on the mysterious planet Tau Ceti IV, where players step into the boots of cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners. The goal of the game is straightforward yet intense: scavenge for resources, survive against hostile encounters, and safely extract your findings, risking everything if you die. The game supports squads of three and allows up to 18 players per map, blending high-stakes survival with Bungie’s signature gunplay.
What Sets Marathon Apart from Other Tracks?
Unlike traditional shooters, Marathon focuses on tactical extraction gameplay, dynamic events, and a risk-reward loop similar to Escape from Tarkov. Bungie’s trademark fluid combat mechanics are back in full force, ensuring every bullet counts and every escape is a victory.
Marathon also introduces six unique Runners, each with distinct playstyles:
- Locus – The frontline soldier.
- Blackbird – A recon specialist who tracks out the enemy.
- Glitch – An agile disruptor with chaotic potential.
- Void – Stealth specialist with cloaking capabilities. (Two more Runners remain unannounced.)
Each run is different thanks to variable weather, environmental hazards, evolving threats, and unpredictable player behavior, keeping the game fresh every time you log in.
Marathon’s Artistic Style & Narrative Potential
Under the direction of artist Joseph Cross, Marathon features a bold and vibrant art style that distinguishes it from the dark color schemes typical of modern shooters. The aesthetic combines elements of cyberpunk and sci-fi horror, drawing inspiration from the original trilogy. This results in a fresh experience that also evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Bungie has also teased seasonal storytelling, community events, and hidden secrets, hinting at a robust live-service roadmap.
Bungie’s High-Stakes Bet
Bungie faces significant pressure as it gears up for Marathon, its first new intellectual property in a decade, following the conclusion of the main Destiny 2 storyline with The Final Shape. The stakes are particularly high due to recent massive layoffs, internal restructuring, and Sony’s $3.6 billion acquisition of the company. The success of Marathon is crucial not only for Bungie but also for Sony’s broader ambitions in the live-service gaming market.
With the future of Destiny content diminishing and no Destiny 3 expected in the next few years, Marathon has the potential to secure Bungie’s future or place it in jeopardy.
Comparisons to Concord & the Bigger Picture
Although some fans have expressed concerns, comparing Marathon to Sony’s failed live-service game, Concord, early buzz is mostly positive. Bungie has already confirmed that the game will not require PSN account linking on PC or Xbox, avoiding one major controversy that plagued Helldivers 2.
If Marathon lands well, it could reinvigorate Sony’s faith in live-service titles, especially after a string of cancellations and underperforming launches. With a cross-platform release, even Xbox players could contribute to Bungie and Sony’s success—an ironic but strategic move.
Final Thoughts
Marathon is gearing up to be an ambitious and high-stakes return to Bungie’s origins. With smooth combat, deep lore, and innovative extraction gameplay, it has the potential to compete alongside major titles like Escape from Tarkov, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone. However, it remains to be seen whether it will become a genre-defining success or a cautionary tale. Marathon is set to launch on September 23, 2025, with the Closed Alpha starting on April 23.
But whether it becomes a genre-defining hit or a cautionary tale remains to be seen.
Marathon launches on September 23, 2025. Closed Alpha begins April 23.
