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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated project, has made a reappearance with the news of a closed technical test set to take place soon.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the project was re-revealed in April with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to negative feedback, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already encountered its fair share of controversies, the development team appears committed to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Now, it appears the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on the game" since this past summer. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing additional participants to get an early look of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to October 28th — participants must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the online community

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. Bungie will notify selected participants and inform them of the next steps.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "However, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on the game's help page. But for individuals who don't qualify for the trial (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the coming months after the private testing phase!" The studio announced.