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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous creation process. Last fall, the developer stated plans were to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, the studio revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though Marathon has already seen its fair share of issues, Bungie appears determined to make certain their project avoids the same outcome as other games. Currently, 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, enabling additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private testing phase, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Own a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Join the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the technical test, applicants must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will contact players who qualify and provide details of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie said. "However, the current version is a development build and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

Additional details about the private trial and the game itself can be found on Marathon's help page. But for players who don't qualify for the trial (or cannot participate), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the state of the game is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.

"There will be a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio announced.