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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the announcement of a closed technical test set to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, the developer stated plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was re-revealed in April with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in negative feedback, Bungie announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite the title has already seen its portion of issues, Bungie appears committed to make certain their project avoids the same outcome as other games. Currently, it appears the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, enabling more players to catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, say, an public test. To participate in the technical test — which runs from Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Reside in supported regions
• Own a PS5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be eligible for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also register via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by October 26th. Bungie will contact selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and more," Bungie stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a portion of what's planned for the game's final version, focused on the early player experience."

Additional Information

Additional details about the private trial and the game itself can be located on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or cannot participate), there's positive developments: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.

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