Marathon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Marathon across the outlets.
Latest coverage
9 new 2026 games on sale in the Steam Autumn Sale
The Steam Autumn Sale features discounts on numerous games, including several released in 2026. Notable titles on sale include Resident Evil Requiem, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, and Xenonauts 2, with some experiencing significant price drops from their launch or original prices.
Marathon’s Extraction Will Remain a “Major Part” Even After PvE Launches, Says Director
Bungie's game director Del Chafe confirmed that the extraction shooter mode will remain a significant part of Marathon, even with the upcoming launch of permanent PvE content. The studio is actively seeking player feedback on the extraction mode to guide future updates and improvements.
Xbox CEO says working with PlayStation is on the table even after Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor Physint swaps publishers: "Competition and collaboration can coexist"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that collaboration with PlayStation is still possible, even after Hideo Kojima's new game, Physint, switched publishers to Xbox. Sharma emphasized that competition and collaboration can coexist, noting ongoing projects like Forza Horizon 6 and Fable are still planned for PlayStation 5. The article also touches on the financial details of the Physint deal and the shifting strategies of both Xbox and PlayStation regarding multiplatform releases.
"Extraction is Still a Major Part of Marathon" – Marathon Game Director Reassures Fans Main Game Mode Isn't Going Anywhere
Marathon Game Director Del Chafe has reassured fans that the extraction mode will remain a core part of the game. This comes after a recent roadmap update that included plans for PvE and deathmatch modes, leading to concerns that extraction might be phased out.
Featuring a host of our favorite games from this year and 2 of our favorite gaming devices, you can now place your votes for the best in gaming in the Golden Joystick Awards 2026
The nominations for the 44th annual Golden Joystick Awards 2026 have been announced, with games like Resident Evil Requiem, Big Walk, and 007 First Light receiving multiple nods across 21 categories. Voting is open until October 23, and the winners will be revealed on November 11. This year's nominations are noted for their diversity, featuring both indie hits and AAA blockbusters.
PHYSINT Reportedly Alters Budgets Following Xbox Switch
Reports suggest that Hideo Kojima's new Xbox game, Physint, has a significantly smaller budget than initially rumored, potentially around $150 million, compared to the $400 million figure speculated for Sony's involvement. This comes amid Xbox's efforts to improve its image and Sony's struggles with live-service titles, with sources indicating Physint is behind schedule.
Vignette vs chromatic aberration - which is worse?
This article discusses which graphical effect, vignette or chromatic aberration, is considered worse in video games. It presents these two effects, along with motion blur and film grain, as the finalists from a reader poll. The piece encourages readers to vote for their preferred option to determine the ultimate winner.
MMO Week in Review: Destiny 2’s revival, Aion 2’s stress test
This week's MMO news covers Destiny 2's revival with unvaulted content, Aion 2's stress test, and Ultima Online's 29th anniversary. Dune Awakening launched on consoles, Elder Scrolls Online discussed experimental features, and Microsoft continued layoffs. World of Warcraft Forever is impressing players, while other news includes The Division 2, Marathon, Warframe, and various other MMO updates and discussions.
Marathon Studio Explains Future Content Roadmap
Bungie has outlined its content roadmap for the extraction shooter Marathon, detailing upcoming updates in October, December, and March. These updates will introduce new PvE modes, expanded social spaces, and a focus on "connected PvE, PvP, and PvEvP experiences." The studio also confirmed improvements to Destiny 2, including the return of vaulted content.
Marathon promises interconnected PvE and PvP, more ways to play, and more player customization
Bungie has announced significant future updates for its extraction shooter, Marathon, addressing early criticisms. The Symbiosis patch in December will introduce dedicated PvE modes and new PvP options, while a March update will bring a refactored Cradle system, new alien combatants including the Pfhor, and an entirely new zone, promising more interconnected PvE, PvP, and PvEvP experiences with enhanced player customization.
Bungie Says Marathon Flopped Because It Was Too Hard
Bungie has acknowledged that their extraction shooter Marathon did not perform well at launch due to its high difficulty, which alienated a mainstream audience. The company cited the game's challenging nature as the primary reason for its lack of broad appeal.
As Marathon's player slump continues, Bungie announces plans to grow it "beyond extraction"
Bungie is implementing significant changes to its shooter Marathon, moving away from its extraction-based gameplay to create more approachable experiences. Updates planned for October and December will introduce new modes, rewards, and a PvE focus, with a major overhaul in March aiming for interconnected PvE, PvP, and PvEvP systems. These shifts come as the game faces dwindling player numbers on PC.
Arc Raiders is testing a PvE mode because "a large and growing group" refuse to hunt each other
Embark Studios is trialing a Player vs Environment (PvE) mode for their extraction shooter Arc Raiders in response to a growing player base that prefers cooperative play over player-versus-player combat. The PvE trial will run from October 13th to 20th, offering a less risky experience with reduced loot value but maintained AI threats to compensate for the lack of PvP tension. This move mirrors similar efforts by other developers, such as Bungie's work on a PvE mode for Marathon.
Evening Reading - September 24, 2026
Shacknews' Evening Reading for September 24, 2026, rounds up various gaming news items including updates on Dragon Quest 11, Total War: Warhammer 3, Marathon, and Tetris Effect: Mixed Realities. The digest also touches on changes for Quake Champions and Counter-Strike 2, and mentions State of Decay 3's development.
Bungie’s Payback Was Going to be a Sandbox Game – Rumor
A report indicates that Bungie was developing a Destiny spin-off called Payback, intended as a hero-centric sandbox game with open-world exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Led by Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy, the project was reportedly canceled in Summer 2024 due to concerns about Destiny 2's aging player base and poor onboarding. Despite the cancellation, Bungie has recently announced plans to bring back vaulted Destiny 2 content and is continuing development on its extraction shooter, Marathon.
Marathon devs lay out roadmap leading to 'connected PvE, PvP and PvEvP' in March 2027
Bungie has outlined a roadmap for Marathon, detailing upcoming updates through March 2027. Key additions include a refresh of progression and rewards in October 2026, the introduction of the first PvE experience called Symbiosis in December 2026, and a complete overhaul of the PvP, PvE, and PvEvP ecosystem by March 2027. Game Director Del Chafe III and Creative Director Julia Nardin shared these plans.
The future of Marathon includes a fungus-filled Perimeter, a social hub, and a shift "beyond extraction"
Bungie is shifting the future of Marathon away from a purely extraction-based shooter towards a broader live service model. Upcoming updates will include new PvE modes, a Team Deathmatch PvP option, a visually overhauled Perimeter zone with a fungus infection, and a new social hub. The developer aims to broaden the game's appeal beyond its initial cutthroat PvPvE focus, a move that is met with some frustration given the current market for live service games.
'We all thought we were bringing extraction to the masses, and we didn't'
Bungie is rethinking the design of its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, acknowledging that the initial launch did not resonate with players due to its difficulty and lack of broader appeal. The team plans to incorporate more Bungie-like elements, including dedicated PvE modes, improved onboarding, and a greater emphasis on story, aiming for a more holistic player experience.
March 2027 Could Be Make-Or-Break For Marathon
Bungie is planning a significant update for its extraction shooter Marathon in March 2027, aiming to evolve the experience beyond its initial PvEvP focus. The studio aims to introduce more approachable entry points and deeper challenges, drawing parallels to its successful turnaround of Destiny 2. This comes after a period of internal challenges for Bungie, including layoffs and project cancellations.
Bungie Finally Details Radical Changes for Marathon
Bungie has detailed significant changes and new game modes for its title Marathon, which launched in March 2026. The developer hopes these updates will revitalize the game.