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Marathon, Bungie's highly-anticipated game, has reared its head again with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Marathon has undergone a bumpy creation process. Last fall, the developer announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. 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 revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already seen its fair share of controversies, the development team appears committed to make certain Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The studio is expanding access, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private testing phase, it's naturally limited access than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to October 28th — participants must meet the listed pre-requisites:

• Apply via the official website
• Live in Europe or North America
• Own a PS5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the online community

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the technical test, applicants must complete registration by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also register via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by October 26th. Bungie will contact selected participants and provide details of the next steps.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," Bungie stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's final version, focused on the early player experience."

Additional Information

Additional details about the technical test and the game itself can be located on the game's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected for the test (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the following item on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"There will be a public update on Marathon's development in the near future after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.