Marathon
News, coverage and analysis tracking Marathon across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Marathon’s PvE Vault Breaker Mode Takes Rogue-Lite Approach, As Player Numbers Struggle
Bungie is introducing a new PvE mode called Vault Breaker to Marathon on July 21st, featuring rogue-lite progression elements. This mode aims to re-engage players amidst low player counts and recent layoffs, offering rewards like Deluxe and Prestige Weapons through a tiered data system. The success of this update in reviving interest remains to be seen.
Bungie pulls "unfinished" Marathon gun skins, but promises you'll get them back next week
Bungie has temporarily removed four weapon skins from the game Marathon due to unfinished art assets that caused them to appear mostly invisible, particularly the 'RGBully' effect on the Bully SMG. The developer plans to reintroduce the affected Arcana Crusade pack skins in next week's mid-season update, assuring players that ownership is preserved. This update will also include details on the new Vault Breaker mode, balance changes, and weapon adjustments.
Hunger is an "Elder Scrolls-style" extraction RPG from the creators of Hell Let Loose, and I'm already sold on its World of Warcraft leanings
Hunger is an upcoming extraction RPG from Good Fun Corporation, the developers behind Hell Let Loose. Director Max Rea describes it as an "Elder Scrolls-style extraction shooter" that blends MMO elements like professions and character progression with the scavenging loop of games like Escape from Tarkov. The game features a unique Napoleonic-era setting ravaged by a plague and focuses on persistent character development over gear wipes.
Destiny 2 has over 10x more players than Marathon on Steam, despite end of service
Despite Destiny 2 no longer receiving new content updates, it maintains over ten times the concurrent player count on Steam compared to Bungie's newer FPS, Marathon. Destiny 2 currently sees around 47,000 concurrent players, while Marathon has dropped to approximately 2,800, a significant difference from Marathon's launch peak of over 77,000 players.
We're not quite done with 2026, but here are 9 videogame bangers that have defined the year so far
This article highlights standout video game music and soundtracks from the first seven months of 2026, despite a challenging year for the industry. It features tracks from games like Arcade, Mewgenics, Crimson Desert, and Paralives, praising their diverse musical styles and emotional impact.
Warframe lead Rebecca Ford says Destiny 2's death is "horrible news" for everyone: "Not the first time it's happened, and it'll happen again"
Warframe's creative director Rebecca Ford expressed concern over the halt of active development for Destiny 2, viewing it as a negative sign for the live-service game industry. She highlighted how business decisions can override developer passion, even for established titles. Ford also touched upon the broader industry anxieties surrounding layoffs and studio closures, referencing the impact on games like The Elder Scrolls 6.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 10: Palworld exits Steam Early Access
Palworld has officially launched version 1.0 out of Early Access on Steam, accompanied by a launch discount. This article highlights various PC game deals available this weekend across multiple digital storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Amazon Luna, Fanatical, Gamebillet, GamesPlanet, GOG.com, Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, and 2K Publisher Sale.
MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fate
This MMO business roundup covers several key events, including the settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett against Sony and Bungie. It also highlights an online petition by PNP Games urging Sony to continue supporting physical media, which has garnered a significant number of signatures. Additionally, Nexon announced its presence at Tokyo Game Show, and an article from Gamespot questions Microsoft's strategy for Minecraft's future, suggesting a focus on competing with Roblox could be detrimental.
Fired Marathon director says he's settled lawsuit with Sony
Christopher Barrett, former game director of Marathon, has reached a settlement with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment regarding his lawsuit over his termination. Barrett alleged he was fired without cause following misconduct allegations, which he claimed were unfounded. The settlement includes adding his name to Marathon's credits.
Destiny 2 free game shows just how much fans hate ex-CEO and his car collection
A fan-made game called Destiny: The Final Car has been created to satirize and express frustration with former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons and his car collection. This comes amid fan discontent over Bungie's management, including layoffs and the shift away from new Destiny 2 content following Sony's acquisition of the studio.
Sony, Bungie settle with ex-Marathon director they accused of "predatory behaviour", bringing $200m wrongful dismissal lawsuit to a close
Sony and Bungie have settled a $200 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett. Barrett alleged the companies falsely insinuated he engaged in sexual misconduct to destroy his reputation and avoid paying him nearly $50 million. The settlement brings an end to the legal proceedings, with Barrett's name being added to Marathon's credits. This news follows recent significant layoffs at Bungie.
Former Marathon and Destiny 2 lead "pleased to share" outcome of his $200 million lawsuit against Bungie and Sony is "one I am very satisfied with"
Former Bungie director Christopher Barrett has reached a settlement with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment regarding his $200 million lawsuit. Barrett, who led projects like Marathon and Destiny 2, alleged wrongful termination to avoid paying him $45 million. The terms of the settlement are confidential, but Barrett expressed satisfaction with the outcome and his name has been added to the Marathon credits.
Former Marathon director settles lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, following his firing over alleged inappropriate messages to female staff
Former Marathon director Christopher Barrett has settled his lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, which was filed after his termination for alleged inappropriate messages to female staff. Barrett claimed wrongful termination and defamation, while the companies revealed some of the alleged messages. The settlement was announced via posts on X and LinkedIn, with both parties expressing satisfaction and acknowledging Barrett's contributions to Bungie's games.
Sony Settles With Fired Marathon Game Director Who Sued PlayStation and Bungie for More Than $200 Million, Adds Name to Credits
Sony has settled with former developer Christopher Barrett, who was accused of sexual misconduct and sued PlayStation and Bungie for over $200 million. As part of the settlement, Barrett will be credited in the recently released extraction shooter Marathon.
Evening Legal Briefs
A former director for Destiny 2 and Marathon has settled a $200 million lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The article also briefly mentions a judge rejecting a Kalshi attempt to override new regulations.
Former Destiny 2 and Marathon director settles $200 million lawsuit against Sony and Bungie: 'The outcome is one I…
Former Destiny 2 and Marathon director Christopher Barrett has settled his $200 million lawsuit against Sony Interactive Entertainment and Bungie. Barrett alleged he was wrongfully terminated to avoid paying him over $45 million in owed compensation and to scapegoat him for business failures. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Barrett expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
In the ashes of Destiny 2, furious developer creates playable Pete Parsons-themed parody raid where the former Bungie…
A game developer has created a playable parody raid called "The Vault of Cars" within Destiny 2, satirizing former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons' departure and perceived spending habits. The raid features Parsons as a boss and critiques recent industry issues like layoffs and poor decision-making, reflecting broader developer sentiment amidst industry turmoil.
Evening Patches
Several games received official updates, including DOOM: The Dark Ages with its Revelations Update 4, and Marathon with version 1.1.0.4. Star Trek Online's Undiscovered expansion is now live on PC, and Team Fortress 2 also received a new update.
Get Games For Less Than $10 During Green Man Gaming’s Summer Sale
Green Man Gaming is currently hosting its Summer Sale, offering significant discounts on thousands of PC games, with many titles available for under $10. The sale features a wide range of games, from indie hits like Balatro to major releases such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and includes deals on games like Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, Batman: Arkham Collection, and Destiny 2: The Collection. The sale is set to end on July 13.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls on PC Blocked in 132 Countries Due to PlayStation Account Requirement
The PC version of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will not be available in 132 countries due to a mandatory PlayStation Network account requirement for multiplayer features. This situation mirrors the controversy faced by Helldivers 2, which was later reversed by Sony. Arc System Works is developing the fighting game, featuring Marvel characters with a 3D anime aesthetic.
