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Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the announcement of a closed technical test scheduled to begin in October.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a tumultuous development cycle. Last fall, Bungie announced it was aiming to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite the title has already seen its portion of issues, the development team appears committed to make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a private technical test, it's naturally more exclusive than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, players must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will notify 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, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio stated. "However, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for the game's full release, focused on the early player experience."

Additional Information

Additional details about the technical test and the actual experience can be found on the game's support section. But for players who aren't selected for the test (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the test is over.

"There will be a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie shared.