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Marathon, the studio's much-anticipated game, has reared its head again with the announcement of a closed technical test scheduled to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. In October 2024, the developer stated it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing led to negative feedback, the studio revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite Marathon has already seen its fair share of controversies, the development team appears committed to make certain their project avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the game's development is moving forward again, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Given the fact that it's a closed technical test, it's naturally more exclusive than, say, an open beta. To participate in the exclusive trial — which runs from October 22nd to October 28th — participants must meet the listed requirements:

• Apply via the official website
• Reside in supported regions
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

How to Apply

Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the technical test, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also register via Steam starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by October 26th. Bungie will notify selected participants and provide details of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's planned 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 support section. But for players who aren't selected for the test (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 public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the private testing phase!" The studio shared.