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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to begin in October.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, Bungie stated plans were to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to mixed reactions, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite the title has already seen its fair share of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Now, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a private technical test, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an open beta. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to October 28th — players must meet the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via the official website
• Reside in supported regions
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the technical test, applicants must submit their application by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also submit their application via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. Bungie will contact players who qualify and inform them of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie said. "However, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on the game's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a public update on the state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie shared.