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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test set to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer stated plans were to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing resulted in negative feedback, the studio announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though Marathon has already seen its portion of controversies, Bungie appears committed to make certain their project doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as they just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's naturally more exclusive than, say, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Apply via the official website
• Live in supported regions
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (system requirements include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the online community

How to Apply

Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the private trial, players must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. Bungie will contact selected participants and provide details of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and additional features," the studio said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for Marathon's full release, concentrating on the early player experience."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be found on the game's support section. But for players who don't qualify for the trial (or cannot participate), there's still good news: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the test is over.

"There will be a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.