Following the recent postponement of the extraction shooter Marathon, Bungie is ramping up efforts to thoroughly playtest this anticipated FPS. This dedication comes as no surprise, given the mixed reception from earlier testing phases.
The studio has initiated a 30-day daily playtest, inviting players via email to join in. According to TheGamePost, each playtest session will be accessible for four hours daily, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.
Players participating are expected to engage for at least one hour each day, which translates to a total of 30 hours over the month. As a reward for their commitment, testers will receive a $500 gift card of their choice (approximately 470 EUR) upon completion. That’s certainly an attractive incentive for dedicated gamers.
In addition to gameplay, Bungie will collect feedback through daily and weekly surveys. This step is particularly crucial, given the feedback from the earlier closed beta, which was largely critical. Concerns ranged from gameplay balance to artistic integrity, further complicating the game’s development timeline.
As it stands, Marathon no longer has a fixed release date, but PlayStation anticipates that it will launch before the fiscal year wraps up on March 31, 2026. With this in mind, Bungie’s focus on refining the game’s features is more important than ever.
Though I had my share of enjoyment playing Marathon, I found myself losing interest fairly quickly. If you prefer games in the Tarkov vein, you might find something worth sticking around for. This testing period is crucial, as it aims to gather insights that could broaden the game’s appeal.
It’s clear that I want Marathon to thrive. A successful game only adds to our collective gaming experiences, and I hope this testing phase allows Bungie to address the concerns raised during earlier sessions.
The selection process for testers seems to be somewhat random, so be on the lookout for those invitations—especially since that $500 gift card sounds pretty enticing right now.
What features will Marathon have that differentiate it from other FPS games? Bungie has hinted at unique gameplay mechanics but is still firming up the details based on player feedback.
Is there a specific release date for Marathon? Currently, there isn’t a specific date, but it’s anticipated to be available before the end of March 2026 according to PlayStation.
What should new players expect from the upcoming playtests? New players can expect to engage in focused gameplay sessions, providing vital feedback that could significantly influence the final product.
How will feedback from the playtests affect the game? Player feedback will help Bungie refine gameplay dynamics, art direction, and overall user experience, ensuring they craft a more engaging product.
In conclusion, now is a crucial time for Bungie and Marathon. Stay tuned for ongoing updates and don’t forget to check out more gaming content at Moyens I/O.