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Marathon, Bungie's much-anticipated game, has made a reappearance with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, the developer stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, following initial testing resulted in negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though Marathon has already seen its portion of controversies, Bungie appears committed to ensure Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Now, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to October 28th — players must meet the following requirements:

• Apply via their platform
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the online community

How to Apply

Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the private trial, applicants must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also submit their application via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio stated. "However, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

Additional details about the private trial and the actual experience can be found on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or cannot participate), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the schedule once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the private testing phase!" Bungie shared.