Marathon fans hoping to see Bungie’s extraction shooter at Sony’s latest State of Play presentation will be disappointed. According to Forbes contributor Paul Tassi, sources have confirmed that Marathon will not appear at the showcase, and the game’s next public appearance may not happen until November at the earliest.
Development Chaos Behind Marathon’s Absence
The absence from State of Play comes amid ongoing development troubles for Marathon. The game has been plagued by multiple setbacks since its initial reveal, including negative alpha test feedback and a controversial plagiarism scandal that emerged in May 2025.
Bungie was forced to conduct a “thorough review” of stolen art assets that had been incorporated into the game, leading to an indefinite delay announcement in June 2025. The original September 2025 release date was scrapped, with no new timeline provided to fans.
Alpha Testing Reveals Core Problems
The May 2025 alpha test exposed fundamental issues with Marathon’s gameplay loop. Testers criticized the extraction shooter for lacking tension and providing an underwhelming solo experience – critical flaws for a genre that thrives on high-stakes gameplay.
Following this feedback, Bungie outlined several focus areas for improvement:
- More challenging and engaging AI encounters
- Enhanced combat tension and strategic depth
- Better rewards and dynamic events for successful runs
- Improved solo and duo player experiences
- Addition of proximity chat for social interaction
Sony’s Live Service Scrutiny Intensifies
Marathon’s troubles coincide with Sony’s broader reevaluation of live service games following Concord’s disappointing reception. As Sony continues absorbing Bungie through its $3.7 billion acquisition, pressure mounts to deliver successful live service titles.
The PlayStation parent company is now scrutinizing all upcoming live service projects more closely, which may contribute to Marathon’s extended development timeline. Sony executives hope to have Marathon ready by the fiscal year’s end in March 2026.
What Marathon Promises to Deliver
Despite current setbacks, Marathon aims to be a competitive extraction shooter set in 2893 on planet Tau Ceti IV. Players take on the role of “Runners” – cybernetically enhanced humans who infiltrate abandoned colonies to retrieve valuable resources.
The game will feature up to six three-player teams per match, with full cross-platform play and cross-save functionality. Rather than traditional single-player campaigns, Marathon plans to incorporate evolving narrative elements shaped by player actions across seasons.
Community Concerns Mount
The gaming community’s patience wears thin as Marathon faces repeated delays and controversies. Many fans question whether Bungie can deliver on its ambitious promises, especially given the studio’s recent struggles with executive management and multiple rounds of layoffs.
Some industry observers worry that Marathon may follow the same troubled path as other high-profile live service failures, though Bungie maintains its commitment to creating a polished experience worth the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Marathon be released?
Marathon currently has no official release date. Sony hopes to launch the game by March 2026, but Bungie has not confirmed this timeline.
Why was Marathon delayed from its September 2025 release?
The delay resulted from negative alpha test feedback, a plagiarism controversy involving stolen art assets, and the need for significant gameplay improvements.
Will Marathon appear at future gaming showcases?
Sources suggest the earliest Marathon might reappear publicly is November 2025, though this timeline remains uncertain.
What platforms will Marathon support?
Marathon will launch on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S with full cross-platform play and cross-save functionality.
What type of game is Marathon?
Marathon is a multiplayer extraction shooter where players deploy into shared environments, collect loot, and attempt to extract successfully while fighting other players and AI enemies.
How many players can participate in Marathon matches?
Each Marathon match supports up to 18 players across six three-player teams, though solo and duo play options are available.
Looking Ahead
While Marathon’s absence from State of Play disappoints fans, Bungie continues conducting closed alpha tests to address core gameplay issues. The studio faces significant pressure to deliver a compelling extraction shooter that can compete with established titles in the genre.
Whether Marathon can overcome its troubled development history and meet Sony’s revenue expectations remains to be seen. For now, fans must wait until at least November for any substantial updates about the game’s progress and potential release timeline.