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Marathon, Bungie's much-anticipated game, has made a reappearance with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to take place soon.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has experienced a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, Bungie stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, following initial testing led to mixed reactions, Bungie revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though Marathon has already seen its fair share of issues, the development team appears committed to make certain Marathon 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 disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling more players to get an early look of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a closed testing phase, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an public test. To participate in the exclusive trial — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the technical test, applicants must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also submit their application via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will contact selected participants and provide details of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie stated. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's full release, focused on the early player experience."

Further Details

Additional details about the technical test and the game itself can be located on Marathon's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the test (or cannot participate), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the test is over.

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