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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated game, has made a reappearance with the news of a closed technical test set to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in negative feedback, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite Marathon has already seen its fair share of controversies, the development team appears determined to make certain their project doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Now, it appears the project's progress is moving forward again, as Bungie just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on the game" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, enabling more players to get an early look of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a private testing phase, it's naturally more exclusive than, say, an public test. To participate in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to October 28th — players must meet the listed requirements:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Reside in supported regions
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, players must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will notify selected participants and inform them of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio said. "However, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for Marathon's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be located on Marathon's help page. But for players who aren't selected for the trial (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a official announcement on the state of the game is the next thing on the agenda once the trial concludes.

"There will be a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.