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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated project, has made a reappearance with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to take place soon.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has undergone a bumpy creation process. Last fall, the developer stated plans were to begin alpha testing during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the project was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to negative feedback, the studio announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already seen its fair share of controversies, Bungie appears committed to make certain their project doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Now, it seems the game's development is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on Marathon" since June of this year. The developer is expanding access, enabling additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via the official website
• Live in supported regions
• Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• 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 Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will notify selected participants and provide details of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," Bungie stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the early player experience."

Further Details

More info about the private trial and the game itself can be found on Marathon's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the trial (or cannot participate), 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.

"There will be a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio announced.