Bungie has finally revealed gameplay for Marathon, resulting in cautious enthusiasm from many fans. Unlike Destiny 2, which is free to start, the extraction shooter must be purchased, though the developer has yet to announce pricing. It did confirm a battle pass and seasons, with Season 1 launching alongside the game in September.
Speaking to GameSpot, game director Joe Ziegler went into some more detail about the seasonal model. “Part of our seasonal model is actually to make it so as you’re having these adventures and there are things that you are earning and commemorating at an account level. Some of which are achieved by you doing some crazy things with friends or things of that sort that unlock things, potentially cosmetics or things of that account level that will stay with you throughout the time.
“The idea is every season should be a moment to go on adventures, commemorate them, and then, some of those commemorative elements you can use as expressive elements for yourself in the future, whether they be skins or titles or things like that as a new season starts – a new opportunity to go on a new adventure. Part of the burden on us in terms of thinking about the service is to make sure every adventure that every season offers is in and of itself different and feels different to create those new stories.”
Of course, what shape and form those adventures will take and how Bungie will allow you to commemorate them remains to be seen. Gameplay director Andrew Witts chimed in as well. “We’re taking some pretty big swings for what the middle and end of the season looks like, and we’re already starting to think about what’s happening in the world. What are some consequences?
“How does that manifest into the decisions players can make, interesting ways on the mercenary fantasy and all the different ways that happens? Am I just getting something and getting out? Am I trying to take out a specific enemy? Things like that and that add to more fidelity and choice.” Despite how the gameplay looks, it seems that Bungie is trying to think beyond your average extraction shooter experience.
Marathon launches on September 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Sign-ups are available for a closed alpha, which starts on April 23rd and ends on May 4th. Stay tuned for more details, and check out the overview trailer on its factions, Runners and more. You can also watch the incredible cinematic short written and directed by Alberto Mielgo.
