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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's much-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to begin in October.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed in April with a planned September release. However, following initial testing led to mixed reactions, the studio revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite Marathon has already seen its fair share of controversies, Bungie appears committed to make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Now, it appears the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on the game" since this past summer. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling more players to catch a glimpse of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Given the fact that it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, say, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to October 28th — players must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via their platform
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the online community

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the technical test, applicants must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also register via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will notify players who qualify and inform them of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," the studio said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's full release, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on the game's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the test (or don't have time), there's still good news: The developer says a official announcement on the state of the game is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.

"There will be a public update on Marathon's development in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio shared.