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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's highly-anticipated project, has made a reappearance with the announcement of a closed technical test scheduled to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, Marathon has experienced a tumultuous development cycle. Last fall, the developer stated plans were to begin alpha testing during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the game was showcased again in April with a planned September release. However, after some playtests led to mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite Marathon has already encountered its fair share of issues, Bungie appears determined to make certain Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Now, it appears the project's progress is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, enabling more players to get an early look of the experience 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 public test. To participate in the exclusive trial — which runs from Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to October 28th — players must meet the following pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Join their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the online community

How to Apply

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the technical test, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will contact selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie said. "However, the current version 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."

Additional Information

More info about the technical test and the game itself can be located on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who aren't selected 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 schedule once the test is over.

"There will be a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.