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Marathon, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase scheduled to take place soon.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy development cycle. Last fall, Bungie stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was re-revealed in April with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though the title has already seen its fair share of controversies, the development team appears committed to ensure their project doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the game's development is finally getting back on track, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to get an early look of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Considering it's a closed technical test, it's understandably limited access than, say, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Own a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via Steam starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by October 26th. The developer will contact players who qualify and provide details of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio stated. "However, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's intended for the game's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be located on the game's help page. But for individuals who don't qualify for the test (or cannot participate), there's still good news: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio announced.