Key Takeaways
1. Bungie faces backlash over Marathon’s art style and its decision not to adopt a free-to-play model.
2. The NDA for the closed alpha test will be lifted on April 23rd, allowing players to share feedback and content.
3. Marathon is set to launch on September 23rd, limiting the time for major changes but allowing adjustments to gameplay elements.
4. The closed alpha will provide a limited preview of the game, with no ranked play available and plans for improved UI and animations in the final version.
5. Bungie aims to gather player feedback and engage with content creators to enhance the game before its official release.
Bungie has encountered a lot of backlash after revealing its new extraction shooter, Marathon. Some people think the game’s distinctive art style is too off-putting. Plus, opting not to use a free-to-play model might reduce interest in a genre that’s already facing challenges. Nevertheless, the publisher has committed to listening to player feedback and is willing to showcase the game with its imperfections. Bungie has announced that it will remove the NDA from the closed alpha test of Marathon starting April 23rd.
Avoiding Leaks
By lifting the NDA, Bungie hopes to prevent the leaks that have troubled games like Battlefield 6. Gamers and streamers in North America will be able to share their thoughts freely as well as post screenshots and videos. Some players who signed up on the official Marathon Discord server are already starting to get their codes for the closed alpha testing phase.
Release Date and Expectations
The launch date for Marathon on PCs and consoles is set for September 23rd. The short time frame means Bungie has limited opportunities to make major changes. However, the company is willing to modify important aspects such as targeting and early-game progression. The extraction shooter will emphasize PvP action, making server stress-testing crucial. Bungie is eager to engage with content creators and plans to hold Q&A sessions as the closed alpha test kicks off.
Glimpses of the Future
The upcoming play test will provide just a sneak peek at the full Marathon experience. Players can look forward to a more developed UI and updates to animations and lighting in the final version, but ranked play won’t be available during the closed alpha. Bungie hopes that strong storytelling throughout different seasons will keep skeptics hooked. Sadly, gamers will have to wait until September to learn how the story develops.
Despite Marathon being cross-platform, there’s concern it might meet a quick demise like Concord. Sony purchased the developers of Halo and Destiny back in 2022. With Marathon, Bungie will have a wealth of feedback to consider before the official release date.
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