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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 closed technical test scheduled to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer stated plans were to begin alpha testing during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the project was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to negative feedback, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite the title has already seen its fair share of issues, the development team appears determined to ensure their project doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Now, it appears the project's progress is finally getting back on track, 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 catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, for example, an public test. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following requirements:

• Apply via their platform
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (system requirements include an compatible CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the online community

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the private trial, players must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will contact selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," the studio stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's planned for Marathon's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's help page. But for players who don't qualify 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 test is over.

"We'll be sharing a public update on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" The studio shared.