UPDATE 4.12pm: The rumors were true. Bungie has officially locked in the release date for their new game, Marathon. It will be available to play on March 5th. You can get it on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC through Steam.
Along with the date, a new trailer was released to show off the game. This video gives a first look at the pre-order bonuses and what players can expect when the game launches.
The trailer sets the scene for the game’s story. It mentions secrets that are buried and rotting. The text reads: “With the UESC holding the shovel. That’s where you come in, Runner.” This hints at the mysterious world players will explore.
There will be different versions of the game available for purchase. Players can choose a Standard Edition or a Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe version includes special cosmetic items for the Runner characters and weapons. There is also a special Marathon Collector’s Edition.
Bungie describes this collector’s edition as a “premium unboxing experience inspired by Sekiguchi Genetics’ shell-weaving process.” It is designed to be a unique package for dedicated fans.
When you open the collector’s box, you will find several physical items. It includes a 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell statue. There is also a collectible miniature WEAVEworm, an embroidered patch, and postcards. Digital rewards are included as well. A video was released with more details about this special edition.
The original story about the leak continues below.
ORIGINAL 2.53pm: The release date for Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, was revealed earlier today. The information appeared through a pre-order trailer on the Xbox Store.
According to the trailer footage, the game is set to launch on March 5th. The video also mentioned the existence of a Deluxe Edition for the game.
The trailer was eventually removed from its original source. However, the footage showing the release date has already been shared online by fans.
The video description explains the game’s setting. It says: “Infil into the dark sci-fi world of Tau Ceti 4: A derelict colony rife with rival Runners, hostile UESC security forces, and unpredictable environments.”
It continues: “Play with your crew, as a solo Runner, or form uneasy alliances with proximity chat. Scavenge, buildcraft, and take on greater PvPvE challenges – culminating with the derelict Marathon ship hanging above.”
Back in December, Bungie confirmed that Marathon would be released sometime in March. At that time, they did not provide a specific day for the launch.
After the March release window was announced, Joseph Cross, the art director for Marathon, left the company. Cross is a veteran developer at Bungie. He announced his departure last month.
Cross shared his thoughts on the project. “I’m incredibly proud of the visual world we built for Marathon. Getting support at this scale for something a bit different is rare, and the art team at Bungie is the best in the biz,” he said.
He added, “I’ll be enjoying playing the game as a fan with all of you.” He also gave a “Massive thank you to everyone who has supported through all of it.”
Cross confirmed that his decision to leave the studio was his own. This came after it was discovered that the extraction shooter used artwork from the artist Antireal without permission.
