Marathon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Marathon across the outlets.
Latest coverage
MMO Week in Review: FFXIV in Berlin, Black Desert in SoCal, and Jimothy saturation
This week's MMO news covers Final Fantasy XIV's Fan Festival in Berlin, Black Desert's Heidel Ball, and the early access launch of SEED. Updates were also provided for Dungeons & Dragons Online, Aion 2, and The Guild reunion movie. Several games saw controversy including World of Warcraft staff cheating, Elder Scrolls Online capacity issues, and Microsoft layoffs.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 24: Steam Train Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include the Steam Train Fest featuring train-themed games, alongside significant discounts on titles like Resident Evil Requiem, Hades 2, and Red Dead Redemption 2 across various digital storefronts. Several games are also available for free weekends or trials, including Killing Floor 3 and Metal Gear Solid.
What We Played – Culdcept Begins, Tears of Metal & Halo: Campaign Evolved
Several writers share their recent gaming experiences, including Culdcept Begins, Granblue Fantasy Relink, and a modded Elden Ring. Others have revisited Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, played new titles like Tears of Metal and Shards of Order, and explored classics on the AYN Thor. Remakes like Metal Gear Solid Delta and Halo, along with previews of 1666: Amsterdam, are also discussed.
Loot, paranoia och flykt – historien om extraction shooters
This article traces the history and evolution of the extraction shooter genre, starting with The Division's Dark Zone in 2016 and Escape from Tarkov's beta in 2017. It highlights key titles like Hunt: Showdown and the recent success of Embark Studios' Arc Raiders, discussing the genre's core mechanics of looting, player-versus-player conflict, and the tension of extraction. The piece also touches on the genre's saturation and Bungie's controversial take with Marathon.
Marathon Still Has a Lot to Prove, Even With Its New PvE Mode
Despite the introduction of a new PvE mode called Vault Breaker, Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon continues to struggle with low player numbers, falling below 7,000 concurrent players on Steam. The new mode offers a roguelike progression system for solo players and teams, but the game's overall player base remains critically low, raising concerns about its future and the studio's investment, especially following the departure of game director Joe Ziegler.
Marathons tillfälliga PvE-läge lockar tillbaka spelarna
Bungie's Marathon has introduced a temporary Player-versus-Environment (PvE) mode called Vault Breaker, leading to a significant increase in concurrent players on Steam. This roguelite-style mode allows solo, duo, or trio play with progressively challenging vaults and offers cosmetic rewards. While the mode is experimental and available only until August 4th, new PvE content is confirmed for the next season, though initial player reception is mixed.
Marathon's experimental PvE mode is live, immediately tripling its daily player count
Bungie has launched the experimental Vault Breaker PvE mode for Marathon, which has reportedly tripled the game's daily player count. This new mode offers a roguelite progression system where players loot Vault Data for persistent upgrades, distinct from the standard extraction loop. The update also includes improvements to the Cradle system and new moderation tools to combat in-game chat toxicity.
Morning Patches
Fallout 76 will undergo maintenance on July 21, 2026, as announced by official patches. Additionally, Marathon has released a 'Vault Breaker Overview'.
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.