In a gaming landscape where platform-specific account requirements have sparked controversy, Bungie has made a significant announcement regarding their upcoming extraction shooter Marathon. The studio has confirmed that players on PC and Xbox platforms will not need to link a PlayStation Network account to play the game, a decision that clearly distinguishes it from other Sony-published titles that have faced backlash over similar requirements.
No PlayStation Network Account Required for PC and Xbox Players
Bungie representatives have officially confirmed via the game's Discord server that Marathon will not require a PlayStation Network account for players on PC and Xbox Series X|S. This announcement comes as welcome news for many gamers, especially following the controversy surrounding Helldivers 2, which initially required PC players to link their Steam accounts to PSN. That requirement made the game effectively unavailable in regions not supported by PlayStation's online service, leading to significant backlash and review bombing before Sony eventually reversed course.
Marathon Game Details
- Type: Extraction shooter
- Developer: Bungie
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Features: Crossplay support between all platforms
- Account Requirements: No PlayStation Network account needed for PC/Xbox versions
- Characters: Multiple "Runners" with different abilities
- Gameplay Elements: Character customization, weapons that alter stats, persistent world influenced by player actions
Marathon's Upcoming Reveal
After more than a year since its initial announcement, Marathon is scheduled for a full reveal on April 12, 2023. Currently, details about the game remain limited, though we do know it will be an extraction shooter featuring characters called Runners with different abilities and customization options. The game promises to provide players with various tools to achieve objectives, including weapons that can alter character stats. Additionally, player actions are said to influence the game's persistent world, though specific mechanics haven't been detailed yet.
Bungie's Approach Versus Sony's Account Linking Strategy
Despite being owned by Sony, Bungie appears to be taking a different approach with Marathon compared to other PlayStation PC ports. Earlier this year, Sony confirmed that several of its PC games would offer optional account linking, with titles like Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok providing in-game rewards for players who connected their Steam and PSN profiles. However, some PlayStation PC ports still require linked accounts for certain modes, including Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut and Until Dawn.
Marathon's Legacy and New Direction
While the new Marathon shares its name with Bungie's 1994 Doom-style single-player shooter, the upcoming title represents a significant evolution. The game is described as a competitive FPS with extraction gameplay mechanics similar to Escape From Tarkov. It will feature quests and character progression systems, and importantly, will support full crossplay between platforms. This modern reimagining of Marathon marks another major project for Bungie, the studio famous for creating both the Halo and Destiny franchises.
Gaming Industry's Account Requirement Trends
Bungie's decision to avoid mandatory PlayStation Network integration for Marathon on non-PlayStation platforms reflects a growing awareness among publishers about player preferences regarding account requirements. The Helldivers 2 controversy demonstrated how quickly player sentiment can turn negative when faced with unexpected platform account requirements, even for otherwise well-received games. By making this announcement well ahead of Marathon's release, Bungie appears to be proactively addressing potential concerns from its player base.