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Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous creation process. In October 2024, the developer stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed 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 the title has already encountered its portion of issues, Bungie appears determined to ensure their project doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the game's development is finally getting back on track, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since June of this year. The developer is expanding access, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to October 28th — participants must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Reside in supported regions
• Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. 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 Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie stated. "That said, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's planned for the game's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

Additional details about the private trial and the game itself can be located on the game's support section. But for players who aren't selected for the test (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the following item on the schedule once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a public update on Marathon's development in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio shared.