Bungie Reschedules ‘Marathon’ Launch to March 2026 Following Alpha Feedback
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Bungie has announced a new release window for its highly anticipated online shooter, “Marathon,” targeting March 2026. This revised timeline follows a period of challenging growth and a temporary cancellation of the original September 2025 launch date, prompted by feedback from alpha testing.
Development Reset After Alpha Concerns
The decision to delay “Marathon” stemmed from a need to address concerns raised during initial alpha testing. According to a company release, the studio paused marketing efforts to focus on a significant rework of the game.Despite halting public promotion, development continued internally with ongoing game tests.
A Legacy Reborn: ‘Marathon’ and Bungie’s Lineage
“Marathon” represents a notable project for Bungie,the acclaimed studio behind the iconic “halo” franchise and the triumphant “Destiny” series. This new title is a remake of the original “marathon” game from 1994,aiming to recapture the spirit of the classic while modernizing the experience for a new generation of players.
Why was the game delayed? The delay occurred due to negative feedback from alpha testing, revealing the game wasn’t meeting Bungie’s quality standards. Who is involved? Bungie is the developer, with a star-studded voice cast including Roger Clark, Samantha Béart, Neil Newbon, and Jennifer English. What is “Marathon”? It’s an extraction shooter and a remake of Bungie’s 1994 game. How did development proceed? Bungie paused marketing to focus on a substantial rework, continuing internal testing.
Pricing and Monetization Strategy
Bungie has set a price point of 40 euros for “Marathon,” positioning it as a mid-tier release rather than a full-priced title. The studio intends to supplement revenue through the implementation of paid battle passes, offering players access to cosmetic items.
Star-Studded Voice Cast Announced
The development team has assembled a remarkable voice cast for “Marathon,” featuring prominent talent from the gaming industry. Roger Clark, best known for his portrayal of Arthur Morgan in “Red Dead Redemption 2,” will lend his voice to a key character. Joining him are Samantha Béart, Neil Newbon, and Jennifer English, all of whom delivered acclaimed performances in “Baldur’s Gate 3.” English recently received the award for best acting performance at the Game Awards for her work in “Clair Obscur: expedition 33.”
extraction Shooter Gameplay
“marathon” will fall into the extraction shooter genre, challenging players to locate equipment, complete objectives, and successfully reach an extraction point while navigating a dynamic map. The game will support both solo play and cooperative gameplay with teams of two or three players.
This marks a pivotal moment for Bungie as they aim to deliver a compelling experience that honors the legacy of “Marathon” while forging a new path in the competitive online shooter landscape.
