This past weekend was a big one for Bungie, as they finally gave gamers a much-anticipated first look at the sci-fi gameplay of Marathon. Known for its high-caliber first-person shooter experiences, Bungie is taking a bold step into the world of extraction shooters, with a set release date of September 23. The game’s hook? It’s all about gearing up your Runner, clashing with other players to nab the best loot, and taking a huge gamble to haul your treasure back to safety.
After the big reveal, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe Ziegler, Marathon’s Game Director, to gain some insight into Bungie’s latest venture. We touched on various topics from why they chose to explore a new genre to how they are leveraging the PS5’s capabilities, and even got into the unique art style of the game.
When I kicked things off with Joe by congratulating him on the reveal, you could sense the excitement. He described the feeling as “nerve-cited,” a blend of nervousness and excitement. This project has been a passion for the team for several years now, and unveiling it to players brings a mix of anticipation and a bit of second-guessing—but mostly eagerness to hear what the community thinks.
I was curious about those lightbulb moments during development when the team felt they were crafting something special. Joe admitted those moments often came as surprises themselves. Picture stepping into an unknown world, wary of danger possibly hiding in every nook and cranny. Suddenly, you run into the formidable United Earth Space Council, or maybe you only just dodge bullets from a rival team moments away from an intense firefight. Those unexpected thrilling moments are a rush and a core part of why players will find Marathon memorable.
As for the game’s name, “Marathon” carries a legacy from the original 1994 game, representing a spacecraft on a century-long voyage beyond our solar system to the Tau Ceti system. The mystery and legacy of that title fit perfectly with this new game, as Bungie brings familiar elements into a fresh narrative that should delight long-time fans.
Gunplay is a hallmark of Bungie games, and it was fascinating to learn how they are adapting that legacy for Marathon’s universe. The gameplay is centered on survival, so strategic resource management is key. The team is keen on blending the adrenaline-packed action fans love with new layers that challenge players to think on their feet. Gone are the days of quick health regeneration; now, strategic choices like when to retreat and when to engage become crucial.
For those hesitant about the risk-heavy extraction shooter format, Joe assured me that while daunting initially, the game rewards practice and persistence. Playing Marathon should soon feel second nature with a controller, helping players immerse themselves in honing their survival instincts.
Bungie isn’t leaving players high and dry either. They’re keen on offering progression that makes time spent worthwhile, whether by leveling up, upgrading abilities, or broadening options in the Black Market. As you play, you’ll notice your choices expanding with new options from weapons to character enhancements.
On the tech front, Bungie is making full use of the PS5’s hardware. They’ve incorporated haptic feedback and utilized the Tempest 3D Audio engine to draw players deeper into Marathon’s world. Plus, expect some sharp visual enhancements with technologies like PSSR, especially if you’re playing on a PS5 Pro.
Creating a standout art style was a conscious decision, blending modern graphic elements with sci-fi aesthetics that look nearly tangible. This layered visual approach mirrors the game’s atmosphere of tension and mystery, creating a narrative where trust is fragile, and certainty is elusive.
When I asked Joe what he hopes PlayStation gamers take away from Marathon’s debut, he emphasized the thrill of survival and competition alongside the game’s cross-platform appeal. The excitement and effort put into creating Marathon are obvious, and Bungie can’t wait to welcome gamers into its unique world.
Ready yourself, as Marathon will be available on PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S this September 23.
