Bungie has finally unveiled its long-awaited extraction shooter Marathon, marking the studio's first new game in over a decade. The reboot of Bungie's classic title has generated significant buzz following its gameplay reveal, with a confirmed release date and pricing strategy that positions it differently from other premium titles in the market.
Marathon Arrives September 2025
Bungie has officially announced that Marathon will launch on September 23, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game represents Bungie's first major new IP since Destiny launched in 2014, though technically it's a reboot of the studio's early 1990s classic. During a recent showcase, Bungie not only revealed the release date but also provided the first substantial look at gameplay footage, giving fans a clearer picture of what to expect from the extraction shooter.
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| Promotional announcement revealing Marathon as a premium title with gameplay visuals |
Not A Full-Priced Title
In a significant revelation for potential players, Bungie has confirmed that Marathon will be a premium release but not a full-priced title. While the exact price point hasn't been disclosed, this confirmation aligns with rumors suggesting a USD $40 price tag, similar to what Sony attempted with Concord. The pricing strategy appears designed to create a more accessible entry point compared to the USD $70 standard now common for triple-A releases.
Gameplay And Character Details
The Marathon showcase introduced players to the four playable characters, known as Runners: Void, Glitch, Blackbird, and Locus. Each Runner possesses unique abilities that support different playstyles, though Bungie emphasized that players won't be restricted in terms of weapons and loadouts they can craft. The game is designed for squads of three, though solo queuing will be an option for those who prefer to play alone or don't have a full team.
Storytelling Through Seasons
Unlike traditional Bungie titles, Marathon will be a multiplayer-only experience with no dedicated single-player campaign. Instead, the narrative will unfold through seasonal updates, suggesting Bungie is embracing the live service model that has become increasingly common in the shooter genre. This approach allows the developers to evolve both gameplay and story over time, potentially keeping the community engaged long-term.
Comparisons To Concord
The announcement has inevitably drawn comparisons to Sony's failed Concord project, which was shut down just weeks after launch last October. A former Concord developer has publicly urged gamers not to prejudge Marathon, describing it as wild to call a game a failure before release. The developer shared personal insights about the emotional impact of Concord's failure on its development team, while expressing confidence that Bungie will cook. They always do.
Testing Opportunities
For eager fans who don't want to wait until September 2025, Bungie has announced a closed alpha test scheduled for later this month. Players can sign up through the game's official Discord server for a chance to experience Marathon early and potentially provide feedback that could shape the final product.
Market Positioning
Marathon enters an increasingly crowded extraction shooter market, raising questions about how it will differentiate itself. Bungie's reputation for polished first-person shooting mechanics and the distinctive art style showcased in the reveal may help the game carve out its niche. However, the studio faces the challenge of making yet another extraction shooter feel fresh in a saturated genre.
Sony's Strategy Post-Concord
Marathon represents an important test for Sony's multiplayer game strategy following the Concord debacle. While the games aren't directly comparable given Bungie's established pedigree and Marathon's existing fan base, Sony may be approaching this launch more cautiously. The decision not to pursue a full-price model could reflect lessons learned from Concord's commercial failure, as Sony seeks to balance profitability with accessibility.