This past weekend, Bungie unveiled the gameplay for their new sci-fi shooter, Marathon, giving fans a glimpse into its dynamic world. Known for their stellar first-person shooter experiences, Bungie’s latest venture shifts gears into the extraction shooter genre, with a scheduled release on September 23. The concept is straightforward yet thrilling: equip your character, known as a Runner, with crucial gear, enter the fray against other players to gather even more loot, and attempt to make a successful escape with everything you’ve acquired.
I had an intriguing conversation with Joe Ziegler, the Game Director for Marathon, shortly after the grand reveal. We delved into various aspects of Bungie’s latest creation, discussing their approach to branching into a new genre, leveraging the capabilities of the PS5, the game’s unique art style, and more.
Tim Turi: Congratulations on the big reveal! How’s everyone feeling in the wake of the announcement?
Joe Ziegler: It’s a mix of excitement and nerves—a feeling I like to call "nerve-cited." We’ve poured years of love and passion into this project, constantly refining it to craft something truly amazing for the players. Finally seeing it in the hands of real players is exhilarating because entertaining and exciting them is what drives us. But it’s also nerve-wracking. You start second-guessing your choices, hoping they resonate with players. We think we’ve hit the mark, but we’re eager to hear what they think.
Tim: Were there any particular moments during Marathon’s development that made the team realize the project was something special?
Joe: Absolutely, there were plenty of unexpected moments. For instance, entering this mysterious world where danger hides around every corner can lead to some heart-stopping encounters. Whether it’s running into the formidable United Earth Space Council (UESC) troops unexpectedly or dodging bullets from rival players that spotted you first, these moments keep you on your toes. The thrill of barely making it to the extraction point, heart pounding, is unforgettable.
Tim: Can you share the story behind the name "Marathon"?
Joe: In the original 1994 game, "Marathon" was the name of a colony ship dispatched by the UESC to establish a settlement in the Tau Ceti system, which lies beyond our solar system. The ship was essentially an asteroid-like moon that undertook this epic voyage. "Marathon" likely refers to this long, demanding journey—a metaphor for a commitment spanning centuries. For our new 2025 title, we’re honoring the enduring legacy of the original IP by reimagining these elements for the modern day, complete with iconic aspects like the UESC ship and Tau Ceti.
Tim: Bungie’s gunplay is legendary. How do you maintain that legacy while making Marathon’s FPS elements distinct?
Joe: The nature of the game forces you to make critical decisions about survival, relying on resource management and adaptability. Marathon builds on the beloved shooter mechanics players love but adds a survival twist. Players must manage their health cautiously, using consumables for healing, which also creates tactical choices about engaging in combat or retreating. It’s about balancing risks with careful resource planning.
Tim: What would you say to players interested in extraction shooters but hesitant about the risk and reward?
Joe: Marathon is indeed challenging and intense, but getting the hang of it is incredibly satisfying. As you play, you’ll develop new survival skills that heighten your sense of mastery. We’ve optimized the game to feel perfectly natural on controllers, removing as much complexity as possible to focus on the thrill of the gameplay. Our aim is for every player to dive in, adapt, and enjoy those memorable runs.
Tim: Does the game offer any ongoing progression elements for players?
Joe: Definitely! We want players to feel that their time spent in each match is well rewarded. There are several progression systems, like leveling up your Runner seasonally or enhancing your stats with faction upgrades. As you collect materials and currency, you can boost attributes like stamina, speed up looting, or access better gear from the in-game store, the Black Market. You’ll notice your options expand as you progress.
Tim: How is Bungie using the PlayStation 5’s advanced technology in Marathon?
Joe: We’re making great use of the PS5’s features, like haptic feedback in the DualSense controllers which makes gunfights more immersive, and the Tempest 3D Audio engine for an engrossing auditory experience. Additionally, we’re leveraging the console’s impressive rendering tech, including PSSR and resolution upscaling, so players with a PS5 or PS5 Pro will definitely notice the game’s visual prowess.
Tim: Marathon’s art style grabs attention immediately. What inspired its unique look?
Joe: Our art is heavily influenced by modern graphic and product design. It’s captivating in its boldness, making viewers ponder whether they truly understand what they’re seeing, yet finding it compelling. It’s a striking mix of high-contrast graphics with sci-fi tech flair against organic backgrounds, amplifying the game’s themes of paranoia, intensity, and the search for truth amidst uncertainty.
Tim: Any final thoughts for the PlayStation community after this reveal?
Joe: If you’re someone who enjoys survival challenges or a thrilling test against other players, Marathon is your game. We’ve designed it to be accessible across platforms, and we’re eager to welcome PlayStation players into our community. We’ve invested so much passion into Marathon, and it’s genuinely fun, so we can’t wait for everyone to dive in and show us what they’ve got.
Come September 23, Marathon will be available on PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S—get ready to experience the adventure!
