Bungie Revives Classic Shooter Series with New Marathon Trailer

After a decade dedicated to the expansive universe of Destiny, Bungie is making waves by reintroducing its beloved sci-fi franchise, Marathon. During its highly-anticipated official reveal over the weekend, the developer shared an incredible cinematic short that is arguably one of the standout videos of 2025.

A Stunning Cinematic Experience by Alberto Mielgo

Directed by renowned Spanish animator Alberto Mielgo—known for his work on Love, Death & Robots and as the art director for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse—this eight-minute cinematic introduces players to an intriguing, violent, and unsettling world set in Marathon. The film opens with a calamity on the planet Tau Ceti IV, where colonists face horrific fates as satellite debris from a meteor shower rains down upon them, resulting in gruesome deaths that unfold across decades, from 2794 to 2827. The narrative jumps ahead to 2893, where cybernetic beings—humans transformed into machines by cybernetic silkworms—are scavenging the ruins of a once-thriving colony, aiming to acquire valuable commodities for the various factions still present on the planet.

Gameplay Overview of Marathon’s Multiplayer Extraction Shooter

The second half of this cinematic offers insights into Marathon’s gameplay dynamics. In this multiplayer extraction shooter, players assume the role of cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners. Their mission? To extract data, research, and various items for the factions on Tau Ceti, while engaging in combat against other players and the wildlife or security bots guarding the area for loot and safe escapes. The cinematic immerses players in Bungie’s new sci-fi universe, highlighting an atmosphere that has always been a hallmark of the studio’s creations. Intriguingly, the Runners—such as Glitch (voiced by Erica Lindbeck) and Void (voiced by Elias Toufexis)—exhibit an awareness that something about Tau Ceti is fundamentally wrong, yet they cannot articulate their unease. Despite suffering death, these characters are driven to persist, embodying the depth of storytelling that fans have come to expect from Bungie.

Visuals and Aesthetic: A Bold Step Forward

While elaborate cinematics have become a hallmark of modern gaming, Marathon signifies a thrilling evolution for Bungie beyond their previous franchises like Halo and Destiny. The game features a breathtaking aesthetic that truly stands out in the realm of sci-fi titles. The stark beauty of this world—marked by mysterious disappearances and ominous forces lurking in the shadows—is combined with vibrant colors that enhance visual appeal rather than detract from it. The cinematic employs a unique filmmaking style, with cameras focused closely on the Runners, creating a tension and intimacy that amplifies the impact of pivotal scenes.

Will Marathon Deliver Engaging Single-Player Content?

For many viewers, this cinematic may be compelling enough to secure their interest in Marathon on its own, and it’s likely that Sony will leverage highlights from it for promotional purposes including television ads. However, it’s worth noting that Marathon is primarily a multiplayer title without a dedicated single-player campaign. This absence is unfortunate, considering Bungie’s storied history of crafting memorable narrative experiences that resonate with players long after they’ve completed the game. It’s easy to envision just how captivating this world would be if players could explore Tau Ceti’s secrets through a rich narrative coupled with exhilarating gunplay and an engaging soundtrack. Nevertheless, for those excited about multiplayer experiences, Marathon is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 23.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Marathon

What platforms will Marathon be available on?

Marathon will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC starting from September 23.

Will Marathon have a single-player mode?

No, Marathon is designed as a multiplayer experience, focusing primarily on player vs. player interactions without a single-player campaign.

What is the gameplay style of Marathon?

Marathon is a multiplayer extraction shooter where players, as cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners, loot and extract valuable resources from the environment while engaging in combat.

Who directed the cinematic for Marathon?

The cinematic for Marathon was directed by Alberto Mielgo, a Spanish animator recognized for his contributions to Love, Death & Robots and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.