Bungie has offered a glimpse into the development of its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, reaffirming its 2025 release window. In a recent developer update, Game Director Joe Ziegler confirmed the game’s continued progress while acknowledging it’s too early to divulge extensive details.
Concept art for a Marathon character codenamed "Thief".
The nearly 10-minute video, available online, showcases two new concept art pieces. One depicts a character codenamed “Thief” (shown above), while the other introduces a character known as “Stealth.” While Ziegler remained tight-lipped about the specifics of these Runners, their codenames hint at their potential playstyles. The video also reiterates core gameplay concepts, highlighting the connection to the original Marathon IP and providing a brief development progress report.
Marathon Development Progressing Steadily
Ziegler confirmed that Marathon is progressing well, but various components are in different stages of development, preventing the release of gameplay footage or in-depth information. The team aims to showcase more by mid-2025, following an expansion of playtests.
“We’ve been implementing significant changes and iterating heavily on the game for the past couple of years,” Ziegler explained. He noted that environments are “starting to come together,” while character models are still under development. “They’re not fully integrated yet, but we’re eager to show you the final result when everything comes together.”
Concept art for a Marathon character codenamed "Stealth".
Gameplay and Story Details
In Marathon, players assume the role of a Runner tasked with navigating the challenging landscapes of Tau Ceti IV. Runners must complete objectives and extract successfully to survive, risking the loss of all their gear if they fail. Each Runner possesses unique skill sets and customizable gear options, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
The game serves as a continuation of one of Bungie’s earliest franchises, originating in 1994. Ziegler emphasized that the new Marathon will draw inspiration from the original, including its atmospheric tension, while presenting a “new story” within a “new world.”
Bungie’s Focus on Marathon
Marathon was initially unveiled during the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, with limited information released since. Bungie has faced internal challenges, including layoffs and restructuring under parent company Sony Interactive Entertainment. The studio is now prioritizing Destiny 2 maintenance and Marathon‘s development, putting other projects on hold. However, a new studio under Bungie is developing an original sci-fi/fantasy action game.
