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Marathon, Bungie's highly-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has experienced a bumpy creation process. Last fall, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was showcased again in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite the title has already seen its fair share of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, enabling more players to get an early look of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private technical test, it's naturally limited access than, for example, an open beta. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to October 28th — players must satisfy the listed requirements:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, players must submit their application by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by October 26th. Bungie will notify selected participants and provide details of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio stated. "However, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's final version, focused on the early player experience."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the test (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a public update on Marathon's development in the near future after the private testing phase!" The studio announced.