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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase set to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, Bungie stated it was aiming to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the project was re-revealed in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing resulted in negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite the title has already encountered its fair share of issues, the development team appears committed to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Now, it appears 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 June of this year. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling more players to catch a glimpse of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an public test. 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 — participants must meet the listed pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• 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 complete registration by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify selected participants and provide details of the next steps.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "However, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

Additional details about the technical test and the actual experience can be found on the game's help page. But for players who don't qualify for the test (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"There will be a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio shared.