Bungie Unveils Marathon: A New Extraction Shooter Set for September Release

Bellevue, Washington – Bungie has officially unveiled its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, during a livestream event on April 12. The game is set to launch on September 23, 2025, and promises a unique blend of survival gameplay and competitive PvP elements.

Game Director Joe Ziegler expressed excitement about the reveal, stating, “It’s pretty exciting. The term I’ve been using a lot is ‘nerve-cited.’ It’s a labor of love we’ve been working on for a few years now… Having it touch real players’ hands for the first time is thrilling.” Ziegler highlighted that the game aims to focus on survival and resource management, where players must navigate a hazardous environment while competing for valuable loot with other players.

The premise of Marathon invites players to load up their character, known as a Runner, with gear and compete against others to secure as much loot as possible. However, the challenge lies in extracting safely with the acquired goods. Ziegler detailed several intense experiences during development, describing moments where players faced unexpected dangers, such as encounters with the United Earth Space Council (UESC) and rival players.

Marathon’s name is a nod to the franchise’s history, originating from a 1994 game where a colony ship named Marathon journeyed to establish a colony on Tau Ceti. “We’re using the Marathon name because of the legacy of the IP,” Ziegler said. “We’re taking a lot of those familiar elements and bringing it to light in modern day, reinterpreting them for new audiences.”

In terms of gameplay mechanics, Bungie is focused on creating a survival experience that aligns with their legacy of precise gunplay while introducing new elements. “This game is very much about survival. The pressure is on you to manage resources, be adaptive, and be situationally aware,” Ziegler explained. Players won’t regenerate health automatically, but will use consumables that introduce tactical decisions.

Marathon looks to differentiate itself from other extraction shooters by providing a smoother entry point for players. Ziegler commented, “We’re hoping to make it more approachable… without trying to relearn how to play a game.” He reiterated that the game wouldn’t attempt to directly compete with established titles like Escape from Tarkov, focusing instead on creating a distinctive experience.

Regarding the PlayStation 5 features, Ziegler revealed that the game will include haptic feedback for the controller and utilize the Tempest 3D Audio engine for immersive soundscapes. Players can expect vibrant graphics, particularly on the PS5 Pro, thanks to advanced rendering technologies.

The art direction of Marathon is striking and bold, merging modern graphic design elements with organic backgrounds. Ziegler describes it as visually enticing, saying, “There’s something really enticing about visuals that look so bold… The contrasts really pop and help convey the game’s tone of paranoia and intensity.”

Marathon will offer a selection of playable classes and character customization options. Players can expect a blend of PvE and PvP gameplay, with an emphasis on teamwork, although Ziegler cautioned that opting out of PvP interactions will not be possible.

In terms of release strategy, Bungie has announced that the game will retail at an estimated price around $40, rather than the traditional full-price tag. As part of its marketing strategy, a limited test will be conducted between April 23 and May 4, catering specifically to players in North America.

With Marathon set to launch later this year, Bungie aims to attract both veterans and newcomers to the genre, ensuring a thrilling and accessible experience that retains the strategic depth extraction games are known for.