🔗 Share this article Bungie's Challenged Shooter Marathon Is Making a Comeback The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month. A Rocky Development Journey Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy creation process. In October 2024, the developer announced it was aiming to start Alpha tests during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in April with a planned September release. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, Bungie revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely. Steering Clear of Controversy Despite Marathon has already seen its fair share of controversies, the development team appears determined to ensure their project avoids Concord's fate. Now, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test." Technical Test Details Given the fact that it's a private technical test, it's understandably limited access than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must meet the following pre-requisites: Submit an application via the official website Live in supported regions Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and 8GB RAM) Join their community platform Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community Application Process Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the technical test, players must submit their application by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also register via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. Bungie will notify players who qualify and provide details of the next steps. "This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," Bungie said. "However, the current version is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's full release, concentrating on the early player experience." Additional Information More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's support section. But for players who don't qualify for the trial (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the test is over. "We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie announced.