Bungie is set to reignite excitement for its extraction shooter, Marathon, with a new closed technical test arriving at the end of October. After an initial delay, this testing phase will offer a wider range of gameplay, allowing more players to experience the refinements made since the game’s alpha release.
As developers have indicated, they’ve conducted several closed playtests since June to gather integral feedback. Interestingly, some participants were even compensated up to $500 for their involvement. This upcoming round is crucial for evaluating the game’s progress and player reception.
Previously, Bungie’s alpha test faced some challenges, leading to the decision for further development time. Fortunately, early indications suggest that significant advancements have been made since players last tested the game in April.
Bungie’s recent statement highlighted that this technical test serves as a critical checkpoint to assess various enhancements, including three new maps, five runner shells, proximity chat, adjusted combat pacing, solo queuing, and enriched environmental storytelling. However, it’s important to note that this build will only showcase a portion of what players can expect from the full release of Marathon.
The introduction of proximity chat and a solo queue option directly addresses player concerns from the closed alpha. Previously, players could only join games in groups, which posed challenges for solo participants. The inclusion of proximity chat appears to be an essential feature for enthusiasts of the genre.
Combat pacing remains one of the most pivotal aspects of any shooter. Players noted that the alpha’s core gameplay loop fell short of expectations, which raises questions about how these improvements will resonate in the upcoming test.
Recent leaks hint at several new playable characters and maps that are expected to be part of this next test. Mark your calendars: the playtest will take place from October 22 to 28 on PC, PS5, and Xbox, accessible via an invitation through Bungie’s site.
After this testing phase concludes, Bungie will provide a public update on the development of Marathon, which may include news about a revised release date.
What improvements can players expect in the closed technical test of Marathon? Players can look forward to features like greater environmental storytelling, proximity chat, and enhanced combat pacing that were all designed based on feedback from previous playtests.
Why was the original release of Marathon delayed? The initial release faced setbacks due to feedback that indicated necessary improvements in gameplay mechanics and user experience during the earlier alpha testing.
Is Marathon focused solely on multiplayer gameplay? While Marathon heavily leans into multiplayer features, the introduction of solo queuing suggests that players will also have options for playing independently.
Who can participate in the closed technical test? The testing is invite-only, and interested players need to apply through the official [Bungie website](https://www.bungie.net/7/en/Marathon/Playtests).
In conclusion, the renewed focus on player feedback is pivotal for the future success of Marathon. If you are eager to stay updated or dive deeper into gaming content, feel free to check out Moyens I/O for more insightful articles.