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Marathon, Bungie's highly-anticipated game, has reared its head again with the news of a exclusive testing phase set to run later this month.

A Challenging Path to Launch

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has undergone a tumultuous development cycle. Last fall, the developer announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing during the coming year. This was followed by quiet months, until the project was re-revealed in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing led to mixed reactions, Bungie announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already seen its fair share of issues, Bungie appears determined to ensure Marathon avoids Concord's fate. Currently, it seems the project's progress is moving forward again, as Bungie just revealed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The studio is opening the doors a bit wider, allowing additional participants to catch a glimpse of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a private testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an open beta. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must satisfy the listed requirements:

• Apply via their platform
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and sufficient memory)
• Participate in the official Discord server
• Sign an NDA via the Discord server

Application Process

Applications are open now, and to be considered for the private trial, players must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. PC users can also register via Steam starting on October 13th, with digital platform registrations due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify players who qualify and provide details of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we evaluate enhancements since Marathon's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," the studio stated. "That said, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a portion of what's planned for Marathon's final version, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be found on Marathon's support section. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or cannot participate), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the state of the game is the next thing on the agenda once the test is over.

"There will be a comprehensive report on the game's progress in the near future after the private testing phase!" Bungie announced.