Bungie gives "Marathon" a new chance

“Marathon” is getting another chance: The problem-plagued online shooter from Bungie will soon enter a new closed test phase, the developer studio announced on its website. Bungie is talking about a technical test that will take place at the end of October.

“This is an important checkpoint for us as we test the improvements we've made since the alpha phase,” writes Bungie. According to the blog entry, this includes three new maps, five game characters, proximity chat, and rebalancing of the shootouts. Nevertheless, Bungie warns against expecting too much: The tech test will only contain a portion of what is planned for the full release.

Postponed after feedback

Bungie postponed Marathon indefinitely in June after feedback from previous playtests was largely negative. Marathon was originally due to be released on 23 September. There is still no new release date.

The development of “Marathon” has not been under a good star for some time: some community resented the fact that Bungie was no longer fully focusing on its multiplayer shooter "Destiny 2," which has been successful for years. After all, it became known that Bungie was apparently using the designs of independent artist Antireal in “Marathon” without authorization. Comparison screenshots made waves online and got Bungie into trouble.

Bungie is now taking its time with the relaunch of “Marathon.” Public communication has been suspended in recent months. The upcoming technology test was also announced quietly. Bungie will only make more public statements on the progress of development in the coming months, after the first tests have been completed. You can apply for the next technical “marathon” test via the link.

(dahe)