Tag: Marathon

  • New Extraction Shooter Launches Free Server Slam, Beats Arc Raiders

    New Extraction Shooter Launches Free Server Slam, Beats Arc Raiders

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Concept: Marathon is a PvP extraction shooter that combines high-stakes raids with hero-like abilities and precise shooting mechanics, set on the planet Tau Ceti IV.

    2. Popularity: It ranks as the third best-selling game on Steam in the U.S., showing strong interest from gamers, though this may be driven by pre-release anticipation.

    3. Free Testing Event: Bungie is hosting a “Server Slam” event from February 28 to March 2, allowing players to test the game for free and provide feedback before launch.

    4. Pricing: Marathon is priced around $40 for the standard edition and $60 for the Deluxe Edition with cosmetic enhancements.

    5. Platform Limitation: The game is currently not supported on Steam Deck, which may limit access for portable gamers.

    With Marathon, Bungie is set to introduce a PvP extraction shooter that mixes high-stakes raids with hero-like abilities, along with the studio’s signature precise shooting mechanics. Players take on the role of Runners on the planet Tau Ceti IV, where they must collect valuable loot and successfully make their escape.

    Growing Popularity in the U.S.

    The excitement for Marathon is particularly notable in the United States, where it currently ranks as the third best-selling game on Steam, sitting two spots ahead of Arc Raiders. This popularity highlights a strong interest from gamers.

    However, it’s important to remember that this high ranking on Steam might be mainly due to the anticipation surrounding its release, and it doesn’t guarantee long-lasting success. Still, being in the top three is a clear indicator of above-average sales. For fans of this gaming genre, Marathon seems to be an intriguing upcoming title.

    Free Access Before Launch

    Right before the official launch, Bungie is giving players a chance to test the extraction shooter for free. The “Server Slam” event is taking place from February 28 to March 2, aiming to collect last-minute community feedback while also stress-testing the servers and matchmaking systems.

    When it comes to pricing, Marathon is in a similar price range as Embark’s Arc Raiders. It is priced at approximately $40 and is available for pre-order. Meanwhile, the Deluxe Edition, which comes with various cosmetic enhancements, is set at around $60. One drawback for portable gamers, however, is that Marathon is currently marked as “Not supported” on Steam Deck, which is different from Arc Raiders.

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  • Marathon Launches with Over 100,000 Concurrent Players

    Marathon Launches with Over 100,000 Concurrent Players

    Key Takeaways

    1. Marathon reached a peak player count of 143,621 on PC, with total estimates possibly between 250,000 and 300,000 players when including console users.
    2. The game is currently available for free during its server slam until March 2, 2026, increasing potential player engagement before its official release.
    3. If 25% of players decide to purchase Marathon after the free period, it could surpass the success of Highguard and Concord.
    4. Despite previous delays and controversies, Bungie fans remain excited about Marathon, seeking a new experience after Destiny 2.
    5. The overall sentiment towards Marathon is positive, though definitive gameplay assessments are still pending.

    With Highguard’s massive fail, the online gaming community turned its attention to the next major live service game set to debut in Q1, 2026: Marathon. Often referred to as Concord 3.0, many gamers were skeptical about this extraction shooter due to its live-service framework. However, its free-to-play server slam has begun, and Marathon is showing impressive figures.

    Player Numbers Soar

    According to SteamDB, Marathon reached a peak player count of 143,621, with more than 100,000 players actively playing at the time of this writing. And this is only on PC. A significant number of players will also be on PS5 and Xbox Series S|X. While we can’t directly track these figures, even a conservative estimate suggests that total player numbers could range between 250,000 and 300,000. This figure is likely to increase as the weekend progresses.

    Free Access Until March

    Marathon’s server slam allows gamers to try the game for free until March 2 at 22:00 PT. It’s important to note that not every player will purchase the game upon release, but if even 25% decide to buy it, this could be a bigger success than Highguard and Concord. Its primary rival, Arc Raiders, launched with over 250,000 players, so it will be intriguing to see how many players Marathon attracts.

    Anticipation Despite Setbacks

    Despite facing several delays and a troubling controversy surrounding copied fan art, Bungie fans have been eagerly waiting for Marathon for years. Considering the current state of Destiny 2, their excitement for a new IP is understandable. While it’s still too early to make definitive judgments on gameplay, the overall sentiment appears to be largely positive.

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  • Bungie’s Marathon: PS5 Pro Enhanced, Natively Runs at 5K

    Bungie’s Marathon: PS5 Pro Enhanced, Natively Runs at 5K

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bungie has revealed that Marathon will perform well on lower-end PCs and will support high resolution on at least one console, specifically the PS5 Pro with native 5K graphics.

    2. The PS5 Pro Enhanced version uses PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to deliver sharp graphics by downscaling from 5K to 4K, which may help minimize aliasing and enhance gameplay experience.

    3. The technique aims to allow players to spot enemies at greater distances, potentially giving them a competitive advantage in gameplay.

    4. There is currently no confirmed maximum frame rate for the PS5 Pro version, raising concerns about performance and smooth motion in extraction shooter gameplay.

    5. Critics are concerned that not enough games utilize the high-end specs of the PS5 Pro, but Bungie appears to be focused on delivering a well-optimized experience for Marathon’s launch on March 5th.

    Bungie has unveiled the PC requirements for Marathon, suggesting it will perform remarkably well even on less powerful devices. Interestingly, on at least one console, the extraction shooter will operate at an impressively high resolution. The PlayStation website indicates that the PS5 Pro Enhanced version of the game features native 5K graphics.

    Enhanced Graphics Explained

    The listing states that “PS5 Pro Enhanced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) combines 5K internal rendering with a clear, steady 4K image, ensuring that your Runner’s perspective remains sharp, even during intense gameplay.”

    However, the way this feature is explained is leading to some misunderstandings among gamers. Typically, most PS5 Pro titles utilize PSSR upscaling, which renders graphics at a lower resolution and then employs AI to enhance them to 4K. In this instance, it seems that the title is using supersampling to downscale from 5K to the more standard 3840 x 2160.

    Clarity and Advantage

    As for why Marathon is choosing this distinct method, it’s likely intended to maintain image sharpness. This technique minimizes aliasing, resulting in smoother object edges. This could allow Runners to spot enemies from a greater distance, providing them with a competitive edge.

    Sadly, Bungie has not yet revealed a maximum frame rate for Sony’s top console. Smooth motion is also important in extraction shooters, making it easier to navigate maps. If the game is as well-optimized as the PC requirements imply, the high resolution may not negatively impact the frames per second (fps).

    Performance Concerns

    In other PS5 Pro titles, poorly executed PSSR has been known to introduce latency. Some games provide performance modes that turn off AI upscaling. Fans will need to wait for the developers to share more information on the options available.

    Critics have voiced their concerns that not enough games fully utilize the high-end specs of the pricey console. Other titles often face difficulties despite the system’s enhanced features, with Borderlands 4 being a notable example. Bungie seems to be aiming for a smoother launch as they gear up for the Marathon release date on March 5th.

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  • Bungie’s Marathon Controversy: Artist Antireal Says Dispute Resolved

    Bungie’s Marathon Controversy: Artist Antireal Says Dispute Resolved

    Key Takeaways

    1. Scottish artist Fern Hook, known as Antireal, resolved her dispute with Bungie over unauthorized use of her artwork to her satisfaction.
    2. The issue arose when elements of Hook’s 2017 poster designs were found in the environments of Bungie’s Marathon game.
    3. Bungie’s art director, Joseph Cross, acknowledged the plagiarism and confirmed that graphic elements were used without permission.
    4. In response to the backlash, Bungie removed gameplay footage and initiated an internal review to address the issue of appropriated art.
    5. Cross apologized and committed to improving the review process to prevent similar incidents in the future, although specific terms of the resolution remain undisclosed.

    One of the most debated stories of digital art copycatting in 2025, connected to Bungie’s Marathon, has taken a positive turn. Scottish artist Fern Hook, who is known as Antireal, has shared that her disagreement with Bungie regarding the unauthorized use of her artwork has been sorted out in a way that makes her happy.

    Update from the Artist

    In a recent update on X, Hook wrote, “The Marathon art issue has been resolved with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment to my satisfaction,” indicating that the plagiarism scandal following Marathon’s announcement has finally come to an end.

    Background of the Issue

    The matter started when Hook noticed elements from her 2017 poster designs appearing in the environments showcased during Marathon’s alpha build, which Bungie revealed in a livestream this past spring. Hook took to X, tagging art director Joseph Cross, and shared side-by-side images comparing her design work to the text and graphics that were copied into the game. At the time, Hook remarked, “The Marathon alpha released recently and its environments are covered with assets lifted from poster designs I made in 2017.”

    Response from Bungie

    Joseph Cross from Bungie quickly acknowledged Hook’s claims, confirming that they were indeed correct. He stated that a previous pre-production artist had “taken several graphic elements from a graphic designer without permission or acknowledgement, and then placed them on a decal sheet that was then checked in.” The gaming community reacted with anger, leading to discussions about the plagiarism issue surrounding Marathon. In response to the negative feedback, Bungie removed all gameplay footage from their upcoming livestream and began an internal review to eliminate any “inappropriately sourced” art from the game.

    Commitment to Improvement

    Cross also expressed a sincere apology, saying, “There’s absolutely no excuse for this oversight, and we are working on and are 100% committed to a review process to ensure that instances like this don’t happen again at Bungie.” He added, “I know how unfair this feels, and we’re doing everything we can to make this right. Her work is fantastic, and we clearly share a mutual appreciation for a specific genre of graphic design, and I’m excited to have folded that into our style in general.”

    Despite the resolution, the specific terms agreed upon by Hook, Bungie, and Sony remain undisclosed. It is also noteworthy that Bungie and Sony have not yet made a public statement about how the matter was resolved.

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  • Arc Raiders Dev Discusses Marathon Playtest as Unplanned A/B Test

    Arc Raiders Dev Discusses Marathon Playtest as Unplanned A/B Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. Successful Playtests: Arc Raiders conducted a Server Slam playtest with nearly 190,000 players online, just before its launch on October 30, while Bungie ran a private, invite-only playtest for Marathon.

    2. Coincidental A/B Testing: The overlapping playtest schedules allowed both studios to compare player reactions and design elements, providing valuable insights for their game development.

    3. Player Feedback Insights: Feedback for Arc Raiders has been largely positive, but some players expressed disappointment over the lack of a first-person mode, which was omitted due to asset fidelity issues.

    4. Interest in Game Design: Virgil Watkins highlighted the differing designs of Arc Raiders and Marathon, noting the importance of observing player reactions to understand what works in each game’s context.

    5. Competitive Genre Landscape: Both games are launching in a rapidly expanding genre, alongside notable titles like Helldivers 2 and Escape from Tarkov, indicating a competitive market for new releases.

    Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders and Bungie’s revamped Marathon have become quite the discussion, especially with their playtests happening at the same time. These playtests aim to gather feedback from players. Arc Raiders recently held a successful Server Slam open playtest that saw nearly 190,000 players online at once, just ahead of its launch on October 30. Meanwhile, Bungie is running a private, invite-only playtest that is under a non-disclosure agreement to keep details secret.

    Insights from the Playtests

    Virgil Watkins, the design director for Arc Raiders, shared his thoughts in an interview with PC Gamer’s Tyler Wilde. He mentioned that the overlapping testing phases for both games turned out to be a sort of unplanned A/B test. He said, “It was very coincidental that they had their test around the time we did. To my knowledge, I don’t think any of us knew that was going to happen.” This situation allowed the team to “compare and contrast how some of those things shook out.”

    This unexpected timing is significant as both studios prepare for launches in a genre that has expanded rapidly in recent years. Notable titles like Helldivers 2, Escape from Tarkov, and indie successes like Escape from Duckov are part of this trend.

    Player Reactions and Observations

    Watkins found it to be a fantastic chance to observe player reactions to the two games’ very different designs. He commented, “It was quite interesting to follow in what players thought about those certain things, or what did work in their context and didn’t, and what may have worked in ours.” He also mentioned that he hasn’t been able to see much of Marathon gameplay, as most playtests have been restricted. Still, he expressed hope for its success when it finally releases, stating, “I found the art style very evocative… I’m personally curious to see how that ends up. I hope to see more of that in the future.”

    Playtest Details and Player Feedback

    Embark held its Server Slam playtest from October 17 to October 19, 2025, available on PC through Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. The playtest impressively reached a peak of 189,668 concurrent players on Steam alone, despite some initial server issues that led players to reinstall the entire game, which affected the experience for a few.

    Feedback for Arc Raiders has mostly been positive, though some players have voiced their disappointment about the absence of a first-person mode. Watkins explained that this feature was not included due to issues with asset fidelity at close range. The tremendous success of the Server Slam playtest suggests a promising future for Arc Raiders’ full launch, potentially making it a standout hit in a competitive genre.

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  • Bungie’s Marathon Delayed: NDA Playtest with Solo Queue & Chat

    Bungie’s Marathon Delayed: NDA Playtest with Solo Queue & Chat

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bungie has restarted the extraction shooter Marathon with a closed technical test running from October 22 to October 28, allowing public participation for the first time since its delay.
    2. Registration for the playtest is open until October 16, and a limited number of players from North America and Europe on PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC will be selected, with participants required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
    3. The playtest will feature three maps, five customizable runner shells, proximity chat, improved combat pacing, solo queue options, and enhanced visual storytelling.
    4. Bungie aims to gather player feedback during the test to refine the game, and there is no guarantee that past alpha testers will be selected for this round.
    5. Following the technical test, Bungie plans to provide a public update on Marathon’s development and may discuss changes to its original 2026 launch timeline amid ongoing challenges with its primary IP, Destiny 2.

    Bungie has restarted its extraction shooter Marathon, which was delayed indefinitely, with a closed technical test set to run from October 22 at 10 am PT to October 28 at 10 am PT. This marks the first chance for the public to try the game since the announcement of the delay.

    How to Join the Test

    Gamers can register for the test, and a limited number of players from North America and Europe on PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC via Steam will be chosen to take part in this closed playtest.

    The sign-up for Marathon’s playtest will be open until October 16. Participants must agree to a non-disclosure agreement, meaning they cannot share any gameplay videos or feedback online, since the version they will be playing is an early work-in-progress.

    Selection Process and Community Input

    Bungie has also clarified that past participation in alpha testing won’t guarantee players’ selection for this round. The test aims to gather player feedback to help refine the game based on what the community has suggested since Marathon was unveiled in May 2023.

    The playtest will include three unique maps, five customizable runner shells, proximity chat, improved combat pacing, the option to queue solo, and enhanced visual storytelling to fully engage players in the world of Tau Ceti IV.

    Future Plans and Development Challenges

    In a recent post, Bungie stated, “The Technical Test is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what’s planned for Marathon’s full release, focused on player experience.” After the technical test, the studio intends to share a detailed public update on the game’s development and possibly discuss changes to its 2026 launch timeline.

    Marathon has had a rocky development process since it was first announced. The studio pushed the game back indefinitely in June 2025 after receiving “passionate” but mostly negative responses from fans regarding initial trailers and gameplay previews, with many players drawing comparisons to Sony’s unsuccessful live-service title, Concord.

    Furthermore, Bungie is facing difficulties with its primary IP, as Destiny 2’s Edge of Fate expansion has replaced the seasonal update model. The player count for the game has dropped to a record low of 16,067 on SteamDB.

    This decline is attributed to the Edge of Fate expansion and the game’s restrictions in countries like Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Some players who have spent over 2,000 hours in Destiny 2 have even sought refunds for all downloadable content on Steam, and Valve has willingly complied with these requests.

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  • PlayStation State of Play Misses Bungie’s Marathon Announcement

    PlayStation State of Play Misses Bungie’s Marathon Announcement

    Key Takeaways

    1. Omission of Marathon: The recent PlayStation State of Play did not include any updates on the highly anticipated game Marathon, disappointing fans expecting new information.

    2. Development Challenges: Marathon has faced significant issues during closed alpha tests, with mixed reviews from playtesters highlighting a lack of excitement and challenges in solo gameplay.

    3. Indefinite Delay: Bungie has announced an indefinite delay for Marathon to better integrate player feedback after a period of silence following unsatisfactory alpha test results.

    4. Plagiarism Controversy: Bungie encountered a backlash over a plagiarism accusation regarding the use of digital artist ANTIREAL’s designs, complicating their situation with community trust and artist compensation.

    5. Future Updates Expected: Despite current challenges, Marathon aims for a release on PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC, with a possible March 2026 launch and a promised update on development in November.

    Sony recently revealed its PlayStation State of Play, which promised over 35 minutes of direct announcements and updates about various games and franchises from PlayStation Studios. Yet, it surprisingly omitted a highly anticipated title: Marathon, which was absent from the September showcase.

    Bungie’s Extraction Shooter Misses Showcase

    Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, was expected to provide insights into its development status during the event on September 24, 2025. However, according to reports from Forbes, sources close to the game’s development indicated there would be no new footage, trailers, or even a release date shared during this showcase.

    Development Challenges and Delays

    Earlier this year, Marathon entered a lengthy period of silence after facing several issues during closed alpha tests, which received mixed reviews from playtesters. The initial rounds in April and May were described as rather unimpressive, with players expressing that there was a lack of excitement compared to other extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov.

    Some testers found the solo gameplay far too challenging without teammates, and the unfinished alpha version failed to deliver the sci-fi excitement Bungie had promised. Even more crucially, in June 2025, Bungie announced that the game would be delayed indefinitely to better integrate player feedback, after a noticeable six months of silence from the studio.

    Controversies and Ongoing Testing

    In May, a plagiarism controversy arose when digital artist ANTIREAL accused Bungie of using elements from her original designs as textures in Marathon’s alpha build. Bungie claimed that the misuse of her intellectual property was due to a former employee, but they faced backlash from the community over previous disputes concerning artist compensation, leaving the full situation regarding asset use unresolved.

    Currently, Bungie is conducting closed alpha sessions under NDA for Marathon, allowing the studio to improve the game without the public’s critical eye that affected earlier tests. Insiders report that Bungie regrets showcasing unfinished aspects of the game too early.

    Future Expectations

    Despite these challenges, the game is still aimed for release on PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC with complete cross-play support, with rumors hinting at a March 2026 release. Additionally, fans can expect an update on Marathon’s development in November, as the studio mentioned in its June “Marathon Development Update”:

    “We’ll reach out to you again later this Fall when we can share the progress we’ve made, along with the new release date. Your ongoing feedback will be invaluable in helping us create the amazing gaming experience we envision for Marathon.”

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  • Bungie’s Marathon: Major Gameplay Changes and March 2026 Release

    Bungie’s Marathon: Major Gameplay Changes and March 2026 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bungie has incorporated player feedback from the Closed Alpha Tests into significant updates and monthly playtests, increasing participant numbers from 500 to over 900 players.
    2. New features include fully functioning proximity chat, revamped combat mechanics with quicker time-to-kill rates, and updated healing mechanics with heal-over-time effects for Patch Kits.
    3. Changes to player deaths now include longer body visibility, blue bleeding trails when downed, and the drop of a duffel bag containing loot upon death.
    4. The endgame map, “Cryo Archive,” includes unique areas and a modified permadeath system, requiring players to activate a terminal to spawn extraction points within a time limit.
    5. UI and audio improvements have been made, along with enhanced map visuals, while matchmaking remains focused on trios, with no solo queue available; a new release date announcement is expected soon.

    Bungie’s new extraction shooter, Marathon, has seen significant updates since its Closed Alpha Test earlier this year. According to an exclusive article from The Game Post, the developers have been working hard to incorporate player feedback.

    Playtest Developments

    Since the Closed Alpha Tests, Bungie has been running monthly playtests with more and more players joining in. The first Closed Test had 500 participants, Test 2 increased that to 1,700, and this month’s Playtest 3 attracted over 900 players.

    New Features and Mechanics

    One of the top requests from players was the addition of proximity chat, which is now functioning fully. The combat system has also been revamped, with quicker time-to-kill rates that make firefights more thrilling.

    Changes have also been made to healing mechanics; items like Patch Kits now offer a heal-over-time effect rather than instant healing, while Shields are applied right away.

    In addition, a new environmental threat named “Heat Cascade” will be featured in the game. This hazard sends sparks falling from ships above, which can harm players and fill up a heat meter that players must manage during their extraction missions.

    Changes to Player Deaths

    Players expressed concerns during the Closed Alpha Test about how deaths were managed. Now, when players fall, their bodies remain on the ground for a longer time instead of turning into green mist instantly. When downed, players bleed blue, leaving trails as they crawl towards revives. Additionally, when players die, they drop a duffel bag containing their loot.

    The Game Post also disclosed a new system called “Codex,” which is similar to Destiny 2’s Triumphs. Players can accomplish simple tasks, like “Kill 5 enemies on a map with a specific weapon type,” to gain extra rewards, with these unlockable rewards shown under in-game IDs. Moreover, a shooting range is being introduced for practice purposes.

    The Endgame Map

    The endgame map, “Cryo Archive,” located on the UESC Marathon vessel, provides players with unique elements and hints at what the ship may offer in future seasonal expansions when the game launches.

    The UESC ship is split into seven different areas: Cargo, Index, Revival, Preservation, Biostock, Steerage, and the central Cryohub. This map includes a modified permadeath system that allows teammates to rescue downed players, but if they die, there are no respawns.

    To successfully extract, players must activate a terminal in the Control room, which spawns a random extraction point, followed by a three-minute window to reach the exit.

    UI and Audio Improvements

    Additional improvements include a complete UI update with more organized menus and the removal of placeholders. Audio quality has also been greatly enhanced. The edges of the maps now feature denser vegetation, better lighting, and significantly upgraded shaders, with sources noting a “night and day” difference compared to the Closed Alpha. However, matchmaking still revolves around trios, with no dedicated solo queue available.

    Sony has mentioned that Marathon is aiming for an “optimal chance of success” by March 2026, and Bungie has confirmed a new release date announcement is on the way. Speculation suggests the game might launch around March 31, 2026.

    Reports indicate that Marathon may be showcased at an upcoming PlayStation State of Play event, aiming to restore player confidence in the game.

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  • Pete Parsons Departs Bungie, Welcoming New Leadership

    Pete Parsons Departs Bungie, Welcoming New Leadership

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bungie is currently facing challenges due to the delay of the game Marathon and underperformance of recent Destiny 2 expansions.
    2. Pete Parsons, the long-time CEO of Bungie, has stepped down to make way for new leadership.
    3. Justin Truman, the former general manager and chief development officer of Destiny 2, is now the CEO of Bungie.
    4. Leadership changes can provide new energy and direction for the studio during tough times.
    5. Justin Truman has reassured fans about the future of Destiny 2 and Marathon, with more details expected by the end of 2025.

    The current situation is challenging for Bungie as they navigate the delay of the anticipated game, Marathon. Players are eagerly waiting, but the recent Destiny 2 expansions haven’t performed as well as before. This downturn impacts everyone at the studio, including those in leadership roles. Recently, Pete Parsons, the CEO of Bungie, stepped down, making way for a new leader.

    Changes in Leadership

    It’s important to recognize that companies often implement changes when facing tough times. Such shifts can provide new energy for the team, as well as reshape goals to ensure a brighter and more fruitful future.

    Announcement of Departure

    Bungie’s Pete Parsons shared his decision to leave via an official statement on the website. He expressed, “After over twenty years of helping build this amazing studio, founding the Bungie Foundation, and nurturing inspiring communities around our work, I have chosen to pass the torch. This journey has been an honor of a lifetime. I am very proud of the worlds we’ve created together and the millions of players who call them home – and above all, I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with the brilliant minds at Bungie.”

    New Leadership Takes Charge

    Justin Truman, previously the general manager and chief development officer of Destiny 2, will take over as the new CEO of Bungie, as confirmed by Parsons: “Today marks a pivotal moment for a fresh start. The future of Bungie will be guided by a new wave of leaders, and I’m excited to share that Justin Truman will take on the role of Bungie’s new Studio Head.”

    Assurance for Fans

    In light of this transition, Justin Truman aimed to reassure the community about Destiny 2 and the upcoming game, Marathon. He affirmed his commitment to collaborating with every team member, emphasizing that everyone is focused on both projects. Additionally, he mentioned that more details will be revealed by the end of 2025 regarding these titles. The community will be keen to see if this aligns with the hopes of fans and players.

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  • Sony acknowledges challenges in live service pivot, says CFO

    Sony acknowledges challenges in live service pivot, says CFO

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s Chief Financial Officer, Lin Tao, remains optimistic about the live-service games market despite recent challenges, including the cancellation of Concord and the delay of Marathon.

    2. Concord, a live-service game, was launched in 2024 but received poor ratings and was shut down within two weeks, causing Sony to incur significant financial losses and issue full refunds.

    3. The development cost for Concord was between $100 million and $200 million, yet Sony only recovered $1 million from it.

    4. Live-service games have become a key revenue source for Sony, contributing to 40% of first-party video game revenue in Q1 2025, with titles like Helldivers 2 and Destiny 2 leading the way.

    5. Sony acknowledges the need to learn from past mistakes in the live-service genre to ensure smoother and more efficient content delivery in the future.

    Sony has been looking at the live-service games market for several years now, but it has faced some challenges along the way. Lin Tao, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, remains optimistic about the live-service genre, even after recent financial troubles with games like Concord and the delay of Marathon.

    Addressing Investor Concerns

    During a Q&A session after Sony’s latest financial report, Tao talked to worried investors about the company’s push into live-service games. He recognized the challenges but pointed out that Sony has made strides over the past five years. He addressed the major concerns for investors by saying,

    “Last year, Concord was canceled, and this year, Marathon was delayed, so we have seen some negative news recently.”

    Concord was a live-service game created by Sony under Firewalk Studios. This 5v5 multiplayer shooter launched in 2024 but received poor ratings, with user scores dropping as low as 1.9 on Metacritic, leading to its shutdown on September 6, 2024, just two weeks after its launch.

    Financial Losses and Refunds

    Sony ended up providing full refunds for all Concord purchases. The development of this live-service FPS was reported to have cost between $100 million and $200 million, but they only managed to recover $1 million from it.

    Moreover, Bungie, the studio behind Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and the Destiny series, has been working on its new game, Marathon, since 2022. However, the developers have not given any updates on a release date, as their initial target of September 2025 has shifted.

    Revenue and Future Plans

    Despite these setbacks, Tao mentioned that live-service titles have been a significant revenue source for Sony over the past five years, prior to which, such games were “almost non-existent for PlayStation Studios.”

    Games like Helldivers 2, MLB The Show, Destiny 2, and Gran Turismo 7 have contributed to 40% of Sony’s first-party video game revenue for Q1 2025. Tao acknowledged that the transition into the live-service genre is “not entirely going smoothly.” He added:

    “Of course, we recognize that there are still many issues, so we should learn the lessons from the mistakes and make sure we introduce live service content where there’s less waste and it’s more smooth.”

    In addition to these challenges in live-service gaming, Sony has encountered other complications with the cancellation of projects led by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games earlier in 2025, including an unannounced title related to God of War.

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