🔗 Share this article The Developer's Challenged Action Game Project Marathon Is Making a Comeback Marathon, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to run later this month. A Challenging Path to Launch Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a bumpy creation process. In October 2024, Bungie announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again 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. Steering Clear of Controversy Though Marathon has already seen its portion of controversies, the development team appears committed to make certain Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Now, it seems the game's development is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, enabling additional participants to catch a glimpse of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test." Exclusive Testing Information Given the fact that it's a closed testing phase, it's naturally more exclusive than, for example, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to October 28th — participants must meet the following pre-requisites: Submit an application via their platform Live in Europe or North America Own a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM) Participate in their community platform Sign an NDA via the Discord server 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. Players on Windows PC can also register via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by October 26th. The developer will contact selected participants and provide details of the following procedures. "This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments." Further Details Additional details about the technical test and the game itself can be located on Marathon's support section. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the trial concludes. "There will be a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.