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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie'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

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, Bungie announced plans were to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, following initial testing led to mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already encountered its fair share of issues, the development team appears committed to make certain their project doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Now, it appears the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, enabling more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably limited access than, for example, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the listed requirements:

• Apply via the official website
• Live in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

How to Apply

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the private trial, applicants must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also register via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will contact players who qualify and inform them of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "However, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

Additional details about the technical test and the actual experience can be found on the game's support section. But for individuals who aren't selected for the test (or cannot participate), 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.

"There will be a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the private testing phase!" The studio shared.