Bungie Teams Up With YouTuber for Marathon Gameplay Showcase

BELLEVUE, Washington — Bungie has partnered with Destiny YouTuber Skarrow9 to showcase gameplay footage of its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon. The video will be released on April 23, giving fans a deeper look at the game, which is set to launch officially on September 23, 2025.

The collaboration is a response to mixed reactions following the game’s reveal. While some players are excited, others have expressed skepticism about Marathon’s ability to resonate with the gaming community. Concerns highlight the perceived high-pressure nature of the game, which some fear might alienate casual gamers.

Skarrow9, known for his expertise in unraveling complex secrets within Destiny games, was selected to help present a more comprehensive view of Marathon. He has been involved in playtesting the game, and his insights aim to demystify the gameplay experience.

The demonstration will feature a full match of Marathon, showcasing player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) interactions. Viewers can expect to see various game mechanics and character capabilities, accompanied by commentary from both Skarrow9 and a Polygon journalist who captured the footage during a recent preview event.

Bungie has promised that the first official closed alpha test will start on April 23. This testing phase will initially be available to players in North America, with plans for broader accessibility in future phases.

During the preview event held at Bungie’s headquarters earlier this month, Polygon journalists experienced two maps: Perimeter and Dire Marsh. Players were introduced to four character classes in the alpha, each offering unique gameplay features.

The game’s pricing strategy is another topic of discussion, as Bungie has indicated that Marathon will be priced below the standard new game rate, estimated to be around $40, which has raised eyebrows following predictions of its performance against competitors like Rockstar’s upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.

“We hope players give Marathon a chance,” said the former Concord developer advocating for Bungie’s new project. “The team has worked hard, and we believe in the fun this game offers.”