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Marathon, Bungie's much-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the announcement of a closed technical test set to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous creation process. Last fall, Bungie stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing led to mixed reactions, Bungie revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though Marathon has already seen its portion of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Now, it seems the game's development is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The developer is expanding access, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a private testing phase, it's naturally more exclusive than, say, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the following requirements:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in Europe or North America
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the online community

How to Apply

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

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio said. "However, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's full release, focused on the early player experience."

Further Details

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be found on the game's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the trial (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a official announcement on the state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the test is over.

"There will be a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.