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Marathon, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a closed technical test set to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous creation process. Last fall, the developer stated plans were to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. This was followed by quiet months, until the game was showcased again in April with a planned September release. However, following initial testing resulted in negative feedback, the studio revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite Marathon has already encountered its fair share of controversies, the development team appears committed to ensure Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Now, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on Marathon" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a closed testing phase, it's naturally limited access than, say, an public test. To gain access in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to October 28th — players must satisfy the listed requirements:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Reside in Europe or North America
• Own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (system requirements include an compatible CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

How to Apply

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the private trial, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also register via Steam starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify selected participants and provide details of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, prox chat, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," Bungie said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

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 trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: Bungie says a public update on the state of the game is the next thing on the schedule once the test is over.

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