🔗 Share this article The Developer's Challenged Action Game Marathon Is Making a Comeback The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the announcement of a closed technical test set to run later this month. A Challenging Path to Launch Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a bumpy development cycle. In October 2024, the developer stated it was aiming to start Alpha tests during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed in April with a planned September release. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely. Avoiding Past Mistakes Though the title has already encountered its portion of controversies, Bungie appears determined to ensure their project avoids the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the game's development is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is expanding access, allowing additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test." Exclusive Testing Information Considering it's a private technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an public test. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must satisfy the listed requirements: Apply via the official website Live in Europe or North America Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM) Participate in their community platform Sign an NDA via the online community Application Process Applications are open now, and to be eligible 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 October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will contact selected participants and inform them of the following procedures. "This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for the game's full release, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments." Additional Information Additional details about the private trial and the game itself can be located on the game's help page. But for players who don't qualify for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the trial concludes. "We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie announced.