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Marathon, Bungie's much-anticipated project, has reared its head again with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month.

A Rocky Development Journey

Initially revealed during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy creation process. Last fall, the developer announced plans were to start Alpha tests sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the project was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests led to mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Despite the title has already encountered its fair share of controversies, Bungie appears determined to make certain Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the game's development is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to gather feedback on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing 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 private testing phase, it's understandably limited access than, for example, an open beta. To participate in the exclusive trial — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must meet the following pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Reside in supported regions
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be considered for the private trial, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also register via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by October 26th. Bungie will contact players who qualify and inform them 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, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio said. "That said, the current version is a development build and will only include a selection of what's planned for Marathon's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be found on Marathon's help page. But for individuals who don't qualify for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a official announcement on the project's status is the following item on the schedule once the test is over.

"There will be a public update on Marathon's development in the coming months after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.