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Marathon, Bungie's much-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has undergone a tumultuous creation process. Last fall, Bungie announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was showcased again in April with a planned September release. However, following initial testing resulted in mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite Marathon has already encountered its portion of issues, the development team appears committed to ensure Marathon avoids the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, allowing more players to catch a glimpse of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to October 28th — players must satisfy the following requirements:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in Europe or North America
• Own a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the private trial, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. Bungie will contact players who qualify and inform them of the next steps.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and more," Bungie stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

Additional details about the technical test and the game itself can be found on the game's support section. 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 state of the game is the following item on the schedule once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a public update on the game's progress in the near future after the private testing phase!" Bungie shared.