Marathon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Marathon across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Marathon’s mid-season update adds a temporary PvE roguelike mode and several balance tweaks
Bungie has released a mid-season update for Marathon, introducing a limited-time PvE roguelike mode called Vault Breaker. This update also includes several balance adjustments to weapons and gear, as well as UI improvements.
The next major moment for Marathon arrives today with a new update and the debut of its PvE mode, Vault Breaker
Bungie has launched "Vault Breaker," an experimental, time-limited PvE roguelite mode for its game Marathon, available for two weeks starting today. This mode operates separately from the main game and allows players to upgrade their "Sponsored Kit" using Vault Data currency, with the potential to earn rewards for the main game. Bungie is also working on a more integrated PvE mode for Season 3.
Rising Costs Have Forced These Gamers To Make Tough Decisions
Rising costs for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, alongside the shift to digital-only games and increased development expenses, are making video games a luxury item. Gamers are facing tough decisions about upgrading hardware or even affording new releases, with some professionals finding it harder to justify the costs for their work.
In the age of AI and layoffs, playing old games in 2026 is about more than nostalgia
In 2026, the author finds solace in playing older video games as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of AI advancements and widespread layoffs in the industry. This retreat into retro titles like Pokemon Leaf Green and Diablo 2 offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, providing a temporary escape from the anxieties surrounding the current state of game development and corporate practices. Despite the industry's challenges, the author finds a glimmer of optimism in the progress made regarding representation, workplace conditions, and unionization.
"I'm not a creative. I like spreadsheets" – The low-profile team that powers Marathon, Subnautica 2, NBA 2K, and more
Wolfjaw Studios, founded by Mitch Patterson, specializes in providing essential backend infrastructure and co-development services to major game studios, rather than developing original titles. The Troy, New York-based company has worked on franchises like Destiny 2, Marathon, NBA 2K, and Subnautica, focusing on the 'boring but essential' aspects of game development that creatives often avoid. Patterson emphasizes their stability, long-term client relationships, and their goal to make game development more accessible with manageable budgets.
Interview: Radkey discuss new album 'Bedroom Sand' — MP3s & NPCs
Radkey, a punk rock band, discusses their new album 'Bedroom Sand' in an interview with bassist Isaiah Radkey. They recorded the album at Syracuse University and describe the title track as being about self-doubt. The band also shared their recent gaming interests, including Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Marvel Rivals, and reflected on their career milestones.
Marathon’s game director resigned from Bungie for ‘something new, somewhere else’
Joe Ziegler, game director for Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, has announced his resignation from the company. He expressed gratitude to fans for their support and stated that the mission for Marathon will continue under new leadership, with Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin taking over. Ziegler is moving on to a new opportunity elsewhere.
The Daily Grind: Does your MMO have a rivalry with another game?
This article discusses the phenomenon of rivalries between Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPGs), using examples like Destiny 2 and Marathon, and the long-standing perceived competition between World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, and Final Fantasy XIV. It questions the legitimacy and origins of these rivalries, encouraging readers to share their own experiences.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft's decision to lay off a significant portion of The Elder Scrolls Online team has led to further management turnover and a restructuring of the studio. This week's MMO news also covers the early access launch of SpiritVale, the cancellation of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, and discussions on lessons for Guild Wars 3.
Marathon’s Limited-Time Vault Breaker Mode Detailed in New Overview Trailer
Bungie has detailed Marathon's new limited-time PvE mode, Vault Breaker, available from July 21st to August 4th. Players will collect Vault Keys, open vaults to find loot and data, and can choose to extract or continue looting. Data collected can be used to upgrade a persistent Sponsored Kit, with the ultimate goal of facing The Compiler.
Bungie’s Future Is Balanced On A Knife Edge – Can They Survive?
Bungie faces significant challenges following the departure of Joe Ziegler and the struggling launch of Marathon, which has seen dwindling player counts. With ongoing layoffs and no announced future projects, the studio's future appears uncertain.
Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler Leaves Bungie Four Months After Launch
Joe Ziegler has stepped down as the game director for Bungie's Marathon, just four months after its launch. Del Chafe III will assume the role of game director, with assurances that the game's development will continue despite recent studio layoffs.
Call of Duty movie will be set in the Modern Warfare universe
The upcoming Call of Duty movie will be set in the Modern Warfare universe, as confirmed by director Peter Berg. Activision producer Rob Kostich emphasized the importance of authenticity and epic scope for the film, which is slated for a June 30, 2028 release. In other news, Marathon director Joe Ziegler has departed Bungie, passing leadership to Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin amidst ongoing studio layoffs and legal disputes.
Marathon director Joe Ziegler leaves Bungie just four months after launch
Joe Ziegler, the director of Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, has departed the studio after three and a half years. He announced his last day was July 17th and that he is passing the game director role to Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin. This news comes amidst ongoing controversy for Bungie, including recent layoffs affecting hundreds of employees across multiple teams.
A month after mass layoffs at Bungie, Marathon game director Joe Ziegler is leaving the studio
Joe Ziegler, the game director for Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon, has announced his departure from the studio. Del Chafe III will be taking over as Game Director, with Julia Nardin serving as Creative Director. This follows recent mass layoffs at Bungie and precedes an upcoming mid-season update for Marathon, which will introduce its first proper PvE mode.
Evening Reading - July 17, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading recaps various gaming news items, including updates on Battlefield 6, Elden Ring mods, and The Elder Scrolls 6. Bethesda confirmed remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout project with Obsidian, and that Fallout 5 is in pre-production. Konami has revived Metal Gear social accounts, and the Lies of P Complete Edition is heading to Nintendo Switch 2.
We just awarded $500 to the PC gamer who sent us this wild Crimson Desert video, and next month it could be you
PC Gamer awarded a $500 prize to a player for a notable video submission featuring Crimson Desert. The monthly PC Gamer Clips contest encourages players to submit gameplay videos for a chance to win prizes, with the latest winner showcasing a unique horse-to-wyvern mount swap.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 17: Epic Games Summer Sale
The Epic Games Store is hosting its annual Summer Sale, featuring discounts on titles like Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and Resident Evil Requiem. Other storefronts like Steam, Humble Store, and Ubisoft are also offering various deals on PC games, including new releases and popular titles. Additionally, Amazon Luna is providing free games for subscribers.
Bungie talks up Marathon’s Mid-Season 2 update, but players are far more interested in Destiny 2 these days
Bungie is preparing to release a significant update for its extraction shooter Marathon, featuring a new PvE mode and various improvements. However, player interest appears to be heavily focused on Destiny 2, which has seen a substantial surge in its player count, reaching over 167,000 peak players on Steam in June.