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Marathon, Bungie's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced it was aiming to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to mixed reactions, Bungie 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 make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, allowing more players to get an early look of the game via an forthcoming "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 public test. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to October 28th — participants must satisfy the listed requirements:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Live in Europe or North America
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

How to Apply

Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the private trial, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will contact selected participants and provide details of the next steps.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's intended for the game's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

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

"There will be a public update on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie announced.