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Marathon, the studio's highly-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test set to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, Bungie announced plans were to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, the studio revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already encountered its fair share of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback 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 upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a closed testing phase, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the listed requirements:

• Apply via the official website
• Live in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and sufficient memory)
• Join the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, players must submit their application 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 selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the early player experience."

Further Details

Additional details about the private trial and the game itself can be found on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie 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 comprehensive report on the game's progress in the coming months after the private testing phase!" The studio shared.