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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's highly-anticipated project, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test set to begin in October.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a tumultuous creation process. Last fall, the developer announced plans were to begin alpha testing 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 revealed during summer that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though the title has already seen its portion of issues, the development team appears committed to make certain Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the project's progress is finally getting back on track, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on the game" since June of this year. The developer is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing more players to get an early look of the game via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Exclusive Testing Information

Given the fact that it's a private testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an public test. To participate in the technical test — which runs from October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following requirements:

• Apply via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox console, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

How to Apply

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

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," Bungie stated. "However, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a portion of what's intended for Marathon's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the game itself can be located on the game's support section. But for players who don't qualify for the test (or don't have time), there's positive developments: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a public update on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" The studio announced.