🔗 Share this article

The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's much-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test set to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy creation process. Last fall, Bungie stated plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the project was re-revealed in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite the title has already encountered its fair share of issues, Bungie appears committed to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Currently, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, enabling more players to get an early look 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, say, an public test. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the listed requirements:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by October 26th. Bungie will contact players who qualify and provide details of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," Bungie said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

Additional details about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on the game's help page. But for individuals who don't qualify for the test (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a official announcement on the state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"There will be a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.