🔗 Share this article

The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to take place soon.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has undergone a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, Bungie stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though the title has already seen its portion of issues, the development team appears determined to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Currently, it seems the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as they just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a closed technical test, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an open beta. To participate in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, players must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will contact players who qualify and inform them of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," Bungie stated. "That said, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's intended for the game's full release, focused on the early player experience."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the game itself can be located 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: The developer says a public update on the state of the game is the following item on the agenda once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a public update on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.