Marathon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Marathon across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Arc Raiders responds to Marathon with strict one-strike cheater ban policy
Embark Studios has updated Arc Raiders' anti-cheat policy to a strict one-strike permanent ban for confirmed cheaters, a significant shift from its previous three-strike system. This move mirrors Bungie's zero-tolerance approach for its upcoming game Marathon, indicating an industry trend towards harsher penalties in the competitive extraction shooter genre.
Marathon Server Slam stirs Steam with nearly 150,000 concurrent players day one, and that's not counting console participation
Bungie's sci-fi extraction shooter Marathon saw a strong turnout during its Server Slam beta, with nearly 150,000 concurrent players on Steam alone. The final public beta, available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, aims to gauge player interest ahead of the March 5th launch. The game's performance is being compared to the successful beta of Arc Raiders.
Marathon may actually have a shot as Server Slam hits it big on Steam
Bungie's upcoming game Marathon saw a significant surge in players during its Server Slam open beta on Steam, reaching a peak of over 143,000 concurrent players. This turnout is encouraging for the game's development and suggests a potentially strong launch on March 5 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, especially when compared to the performance of similar titles like Arc Raiders.
Marathon – Open Beta (PC, Xbox & Playtstation) | Alpha Beta Gamer
An open beta for Marathon, a PvPvE extraction shooter from the creators of Halo and Destiny, is now available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. Players take on the role of bio-cybernetic Runners, scavenging for loot in a derelict colony while engaging in tense exploration and fast-paced combat. The playtest allows for both solo and crewed infiltration, with proximity chat enabling temporary alliances and betrayals. The beta will conclude on March 2nd.
Free Play Days – Marathon (Server Slam), Atari 50: Anniversary Celebration, The Sinking City Remastered and More
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members can play Atari 50: Anniversary Celebration, Stuffed, Moving Out 2, and Anno 117: Pax Romana for free from February 26 to March 1. Additionally, The Sinking City Remastered and Marathon Server Slam are available for all Xbox members during specific Free Play Days events.
Highguard barely has several hundred people playing together each day - can an incoming all-out action mode reverse its fate?
Developer Wildlight is introducing a new 'Raid Rush' mode to Highguard in an attempt to reverse its declining player count, which has fallen from approximately 13,000 daily concurrent players in February to just 694. The fast-paced mode pits two teams of five against each other in base attack and defense scenarios, removing the looting phase. Despite previous efforts like adding larger team modes and facing layoffs, the game's future remains uncertain, especially with competing titles like Marathon and Overwatch gaining traction.
Do you need to play any other games before Resident Evil Requiem?
Resident Evil Requiem is a standalone experience that does not require prior knowledge of the series, according to Capcom. The game's plot offers some new lore but is largely self-contained with only vague hints about the future. Readers also discuss other upcoming games, character appearances in the Resident Evil franchise, and platform exclusivity concerns.
Marathon reveals one final character trailer ahead of its server slam test - the humble Rook
Bungie has released a new trailer for Marathon, showcasing the character 'Rook', a scavenger focused on looting. This trailer precedes the game's Server Slam test, which runs from February 26th to March 2nd and allows free play before the official March 5th release. Bungie also recently detailed their anti-cheat measures for the upcoming extraction shooter.
Bungie says cheaters will be banned without a second chance in upcoming Marathon game
Bungie has announced a zero-tolerance policy for cheaters in its upcoming multiplayer shooter Marathon, stating that any player found cheating will be permanently banned without a second chance. The game will utilize authoritative dedicated servers and other security measures to ensure fair play, though an appeals process will be available for wrongly flagged players.
Don't fancy trying Marathon this weekend? Lucky you, as there's now the chance to have a go at Horizon Hunters Gathering
Guerrilla Games' live service spin-off, Horizon Hunters Gathering, will hold a playtest from February 27th to March 1st. Players can sign up via PlayStation's beta program, though participation is not guaranteed. The playtest will be available on PC via Steam and PlayStation 5 during specific time slots.
Here is the Marathon Server Slam release time, and can you preload?
Bungie's Marathon Server Slam event will run from February 26 to March 2, 2026, with a 10 AM PT start time. There is no preload option available for the Server Slam. The full game is scheduled for release on March 5, 2026.
The first Horizon Hunters Gathering closed beta is happening this weekend and just as Marathon has its own "server slam" test
Guerilla Games' new tactical co-op title, Horizon Hunters Gathering, is holding its first closed beta test this weekend from February 27 to March 1, accessible to PlayStation Beta Program members. The test will feature three characters, two game modes, and a social space on the Colorado Springs map. This coincides with Bungie's open 'server slam' for Marathon, which is also testing its online infrastructure.
"Anyone found to be cheating will be permabanned" - Bungie outlines Marathon's robust networking and security features
Bungie has detailed the robust networking and security features for its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, emphasizing dedicated servers, client-side prediction, and a Fog of War system to combat cheating. The developer confirmed that any player found cheating will receive a permanent ban. Additionally, Xbox Series X/S players will receive exclusive gun charms upon release.
The Sunday Papers
This article uses the metaphor of a British Touring Car Championship race to discuss various gaming-related opinions. It touches on the Yakuza series potentially jumping the shark, the community interest in the Marathon soundtrack, an AI agent publishing a critical piece about a software maintainer, and the controversial move of the MotoGP race from Phillip Island. The author uses these diverse topics to illustrate broader points about game narratives, community engagement, AI ethics, and motorsport decisions.
Arc Raiders sees 30% player count drop as Marathon looms
Arc Raiders has experienced a significant drop in its player count on Steam, losing nearly a third of its active users in the weeks leading up to the launch of Bungie's rival shooter, Marathon. Despite initial success, daily active users have reportedly halved across all platforms. Embark Studios is planning updates to retain players, but faces a critical test as competition intensifies.
Searching for Wonder in a Toxic Gaming Landscape
This opinion piece reflects on the decline of wonder in gaming culture due to pervasive toxicity amplified by social media platforms. It argues that outrage and personal grievances have replaced nuanced discussion, leading to burnout and a less welcoming environment for players and developers alike. The author calls for a return to curiosity, empathy, and a recognition of the human effort behind game creation.
Marathon Server Slam Dates, Content, and Rewards Revealed Ahead of Launch — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Bungie has revealed the dates and content for Marathon's upcoming Server Slam public test, scheduled from February 26 to March 2, 2026. This test will allow players to experience opening quests for five factions, two maps, and solo queue before the game's full launch on March 5, where Season 1 will begin with additional maps and content. Participants in the Server Slam will receive exclusive cosmetic rewards at launch.
2026 Upcoming Games Release Schedule
The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant one for video game releases, with numerous titles slated for launch across various platforms. This includes highly anticipated games like Grand Theft Auto 6, alongside many sequels and new IPs. The article provides a month-by-month breakdown of confirmed release dates and general 2026 windows for games on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
PlayStation Studios: All Sony First-Party Developers and What They're Working On
Sony's first-party development teams, known collectively as PlayStation Studios, are working on a variety of new games across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5 and PC. The article details each studio's history, location, and current known projects, ranging from racing simulations and 3D platformers to narrative horror and large-scale multiplayer titles.
