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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's highly-anticipated game, has reared its head again with the announcement of a exclusive testing phase set to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy development cycle. In October 2024, Bungie stated plans were to start Alpha tests during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the game was showcased again in spring with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was delaying Marathon indefinitely.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Despite Marathon has already encountered its portion of issues, Bungie appears committed to ensure their project avoids Concord's fate. Now, it appears the game's development is moving forward again, as Bungie just disclosed that it has conducted multiple private tests to collect player input on Marathon" since this past summer. The studio is expanding access, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an forthcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a private technical test, it's understandably more exclusive than, say, an open beta. To gain access in the exclusive trial — 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 the official website
• Live in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or compatible computer (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the Discord server

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the technical test, applicants must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also register via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with digital platform registrations due by October 26th. The developer will contact selected participants and inform them of the following procedures.

"This represents a crucial milestone for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, deeper environmental storytelling, and more," Bungie said. "However, the Technical Test build is a development build and will only include a selection of what's intended for Marathon's full release, concentrating on the early player experience."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the game itself can be found on the game's support section. But for individuals who aren't selected for the trial (or don't have time), there's positive developments: The developer says a public update on the project's status is the next thing on the agenda once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.