“The Marathon Continues: A Breakdown of Bungie’s Upcoming Release”

Bungie, the developer behind the highly popular online game franchise Destiny, has revealed a new project that has been shrouded in mystery for months – a PvP extraction shooter called “Marathon.” Despite the new ownership of Bungie by Sony, the game will be cross-platform and available on next-gen consoles and PC.

The Overview

The announcement of “Marathon” came during Sony’s gaming showcase on 24th May 2023. The game is expected to launch in a few years, representing Bungie‘s first non-Destiny game release. Marathon borrows elements from Escape from Tarkov, the most popular extraction shooter to date, and draws on Bungie‘s long history of creating combat games with tight gunplay.

The Gameplay

“Marathon” is all about player-versus-player (PvP) action. In this game, you can play solo or with a squad of three. Your primary objective is to “run” and acquire gear, which you take to an extraction point while dealing with other players in the process. This game will have AI enemies populating the maps as well.

The Storyline and Game Elements

Although “Marathon” is not a remake or sequel to the original game, the story takes place in the same universe and pays tribute with nods to some of the original game lore. However, Marathon does not have a player vs environment (PvE) segment, meaning that it is a pure PvP experience. Unlike “Destiny,” “Marathon” allows players to create their own characters known as runners. Customization is possible, and characters can be built up based on how they play the game.

The Release

Although official dates have not been published, the game is scheduled to be launched in the next few years. The company has said that “Marathon” is “Matter,” the IP that has been gestating and Bungie for a long while, and no other IP will be released before it. Although the game is being kept under wraps for now, there will be alphas, betas, and more information released about “Marathon” before launch.

The Editorial and Advice

The announcement of “Marathon” solidifies Bungie‘s commitment to being a significant player in the gaming industry. As an important strategy for the company, non-Destiny games allow them to expand their revenues and fan base beyond Destiny fans. The game also leverages the long-standing reputation of Bungie in developing combat games with tight gunplay.

Although the game is a pure PvP experience, the evolving narrative promises to deliver “player-driven stories,” allowing players to co-create and shape each game uniquely. Also, the next-gen consoles and PC accessibility guarantee that a majority of gamers will be able to experience the game to its fullest.

From an aesthetic standpoint, “Marathon” is a techno-thriller with a hyper-stylized look that could appeal to the conspicuous visual tastes of new-age gamers. The focus on PvP stability and security, through dedicated servers and disconnect protection, is reassuring.

However, game burnouts are a significant issue in the gaming industry. Although there are alphas and betas in the pipeline, premature release or delays could harm the brand’s image. As such, it is crucial that Bungie focuses more on game quality while reducing the wait time for gamers by ensuring time-efficient development.

The Final Take

Bungie‘s reveal that Marathon is “Matter” caps an exciting development chapter in the company’s history. With cross-platform support across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, “Marathon” promises to appeal to a broad spectrum of gamers. Although it is still early for a full review, Bungie‘s experience in creating combat games with tight gunplay and engaging PvP gameplay makes “Marathon” a game worth keeping your eyes on.