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Marathon Roadmap: Less Grind, More PvE
Bungie has shared a roadmap for its extraction shooter Marathon, outlining plans to reduce grind and enhance PvE elements. The update comes three months after the game's launch and details the developer's learnings and future direction.
The hangover kicks in after a decade of games-as-a-service obsession | Opinion
Sony and Sega's recent financial results highlight the significant costs and underperformance associated with the games-as-a-service (GaaS) trend, including substantial impairments on acquisitions like Bungie and Rovio. In contrast, Capcom continues to achieve record profits by focusing on traditional premium game releases, suggesting a potential strategic shift back towards established business models within the industry.
Marathon's Game Director admits it's "overwhelming to learn" and too sweaty
Marathon's Game Director Joe Ziegler admits the extraction shooter can be an overwhelming and overly competitive experience for new players. Bungie plans to introduce new PvE-focused modes and more sci-fi elements in Season 2 to offer more relaxed ways to play, alongside improvements to onboarding and matchmaking.
Marathon "overwhelming" for newcomers, director admits as plans for PvE and PvP-lite modes revealed
Marathon game director Joe Ziegler admitted the extraction shooter can be overwhelming for new players and revealed plans for PvE and PvP-lite modes to offer alternatives. Bungie will implement these changes starting in Season 3, with further updates planned for Seasons 4 and 5 to deepen the extraction loop and evolve the game's ecosystem. This comes amid concerns about the game's longevity and following Sony's announcement of a significant financial loss related to its ownership of Bungie.
Bungie attempts to broaden extraction shooter Marathon’s appeal with PvE modes
Bungie is introducing Player vs Environment (PvE) modes to its extraction shooter Marathon to broaden its appeal, acknowledging the game's steep learning curve and high-intensity gameplay loop. Future seasons will experiment with PvE-focused modes, including one where crews complete objectives together across matches, aiming to provide a more relaxed experience alongside the existing PvP content.
Marathon is getting a dedicated PvE and lite modes in Season 2
Bungie announced that its upcoming extraction shooter Marathon will introduce new PvE and PvP Lite modes in Season 2. These experimental modes aim to improve player onboarding and reduce the game's steep difficulty curve. Bungie also plans to address faction grinding and improve the overall player experience.
Bungie Is Looking To Expand Marathon's Appeal With "Chill" New PvE Modes
Bungie is planning to expand the appeal of its upcoming game Marathon by introducing new PvE-focused modes alongside its PvP elements. Game director Joe Ziegler stated that Season 2 will experiment with modes that are primarily PvE, with one being PvE-only, aiming to provide a less stressful experience for players. The update will also include new zones, weapons, equipment, and progression systems.
Bungie Is Looking To Expand Marathon's Appeal With "Chill" New PvE Modes
Bungie is planning to expand the appeal of its upcoming game Marathon by introducing new PvE-focused modes alongside its PvP elements. Game director Joe Ziegler stated that Season 2 will experiment with modes that are primarily PvE, with one being PvE-only, aiming to provide a less stressful experience for players. The update will also include new zones, weapons, equipment, and progression systems.
Marathon Season 2 Adds Two Experimental PvE Modes, a New Matchmaking System, and More Vault Space
Bungie is introducing two new experimental PvE modes to Marathon in Season 2: NIGHTFALL, launching June 2nd. The update also includes a new matchmaking system, increased vault space, and a Duos option. Bungie plans to further refine these modes and potentially integrate them into the core game loop.
A PvE-only mode is coming to Marathon as Bungie lays out plans for seasons 3, 4 and 5
Bungie director Joe Ziegler has outlined upcoming seasonal plans for the extraction shooter Marathon, revealing that a PvE-only mode focused on crew objectives will be introduced in Season 2. While PvP remains a core strength, the studio is experimenting with PvE elements and other mechanics to potentially integrate into the game's core loop.
Marathon is getting a "PVE-only mode" as Bungie responds to the state of the game
Bungie is introducing a PvE-only mode to Marathon in Season 2, alongside another mode with a focus on PvE and a touch of PvP, in response to player feedback about the game's difficulty and PvP focus. Game director Joe Ziegler acknowledged that Marathon can be overwhelming for new players and that matches can feel like a 'death spiral.' Future seasons will also bring new content, improved matchmaking, and UX enhancements.
Bungie’s plans for growing Marathon’s ‘strong core community,’ including a PvE-only mode, sound like just what the game needs
Bungie is implementing significant changes to its extraction shooter Marathon to grow its player base, including a less grindy experience, improved UI/UX, and a new PvE-only mode. Game director Joe Ziegler detailed plans for multiple seasons of content and revisions to the early game experience to make it less overwhelming for new players.
Bungie set a date for Marathon season 2 and ramp up the challenge for the end of the current one
Bungie has announced that Marathon's second season, titled Nightfall, will begin on June 2nd. This update will include a significant reset of runner level, ranked level, and faction level, along with most currencies and inventory items. A full reveal for Season 2 is scheduled for the week of May 25th.
Prepare for Marathon's first major progress wipe as Bungie announces season 2 start date and details
Bungie has announced that Marathon's second season, titled Nightfall, will begin on June 2nd, introducing a significant progress wipe that will reset player levels, ranks, and inventory. Players will retain unlocked factions, cosmetics, and currency, with increased vault size and accelerated faction progression. The announcement comes as Marathon has not met Sony's expected popularity, contributing to a substantial financial impairment loss.
Marathon Season 2 Detailed
Bungie has detailed upcoming changes for Marathon's Season 2, promising "liberated chaos" with the release of update 1.0.9. The update is scheduled to launch next Tuesday, May 19, signaling a fresh start for players.
Games Inbox: Are 3D platformers a dead genre?
This collection of reader letters discusses the perceived decline of 3D platformers, the controversy surrounding game reviews and developer apologies, and the high price of upcoming games like Grand Theft Auto 6. Other topics include the financial struggles of Sony's acquisition of Bungie and the increasing time it takes to develop games.
Marathon Season 2 Details
Bungie has announced details for Season 2 of its extraction shooter, Marathon, which is set to launch on June 2nd. The update will also include an end-of-season patch arriving next Tuesday.
Bungie is turning Marathon's loot dial to 11 ahead of its first wipe, opening up Cryo Archive 24/7
Bungie is implementing significant changes to Marathon's loot system ahead of its first player wipe on May 19. Key changes include guaranteed drops for rare locked room keys from on-map events and the Cryo Archive map being open 24/7 for the remainder of season 1. Season 2, titled 'Nightfall,' is set to begin on June 2, introducing a new zone, customization options, and further quality-of-life updates.
Marathon Season 2 release date confirmed alongside how wipes work and what carries over
Bungie has announced that Marathon's Season 2, titled NIGHTFALL, will launch on June 2, with a full reveal planned for the week of May 25. The season will introduce a new playable map called The Night Marsh, a new Runner shell, new weapons, and a system for customizing Runner shell stats called The Cradle. Season 1 will conclude with update 1.0.9, which includes guaranteed key drops, guaranteed map events, and changes to Key Templates. Season 2 will feature the game's first seasonal reset, with cosmetics, weapon styles, titles, and emblems carrying over, while player levels and inventory will be wiped.
Marathon season 2 begins in 3 weeks, but I fear it won’t be nearly enough to move the needle
Bungie is preparing for the launch of Marathon's second season, "Nightfall," on June 2, but the author expresses concern that it may not be enough to re-engage players. Despite positive Metacritic and Steam reviews, the game has underperformed in sales and player numbers, leading Sony to commit to further support and content updates. The author fears that if the new season cannot bring back lapsed players like themselves, the game's future may be uncertain.