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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, Bungie stated plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the project was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, the studio revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though the title has already seen its fair share of issues, Bungie appears determined to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, enabling more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the listed requirements:

• Apply via their platform
• Live in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Join their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

Application Process

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 submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will notify players who qualify and provide details of the next steps.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie said. "However, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the game itself can be found on the game's support section. But for players who aren't selected for the test (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a official announcement on the state of the game is the following item on the agenda once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.