Marathon Delayed Indefinitely

Published: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 5:51 pm

**Bungie Delays "Marathon" Release, Citing Need for Further Refinement**

Bungie, the developer behind the upcoming live-service shooter "Marathon," has announced a delay in the game's release, pushing it beyond its previously scheduled date of September 23rd. The decision comes after the studio received feedback from an alpha test, prompting a reassessment of the game's direction and a commitment to further development.

In a blog post, Bungie stated that the delay is intended to allow the team to "craft Marathon into the game that truly reflects your passion." The studio plans to use the additional time to refine various aspects of the game, including enhancing the survival elements, improving AI encounters, and making combat more strategic. They also aim to enrich the game's universe through increased visual fidelity, more narrative storytelling, and a darker tone. Furthermore, Bungie intends to add more social experiences, including proximity chat, to foster player interaction. The developer plans to share progress and reveal a new release date this fall.

The delay follows a period of scrutiny for Bungie's parent company, Sony, which has reaffirmed its commitment to live-service projects despite some setbacks. Sony's PlayStation boss, Hermen Hulst, acknowledged that feedback from the "Marathon" alpha test was "varied" and that the company is working to avoid the pitfalls experienced with other live-service titles. Hulst emphasized the importance of iterative testing and feedback in the development process, stating that it is a "key component of the live-service success."

The announcement comes amid a competitive landscape for live-service games, with some industry analysts expressing concerns about the game's ability to stand out.

BNN's Perspective:

While delays are often disappointing for eager gamers, Bungie's decision to postpone "Marathon" to ensure a higher-quality product is a responsible move. The focus on player feedback and iterative development is a positive sign, and hopefully, the extra time will result in a more polished and engaging experience. However, the success of "Marathon" will depend on its ability to differentiate itself in a crowded market.

Keywords:

Marathon, Bungie, delay, release date, live-service, shooter, alpha test, Sony, Hermen Hulst, game development, feedback, iterative, multiplayer, gaming, video games

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