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Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test set to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has experienced a tumultuous creation process. Last fall, Bungie announced plans were to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though the title has already encountered its portion of issues, the development team appears committed to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably limited access than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (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

Registration is currently available, 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 register via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by October 26th. The developer will contact players who qualify and provide details of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," Bungie 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 early player experience."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on the game's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the test (or cannot participate), there's still good news: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio announced.