Destiny 2 Fans Wage Review-Bombing War on Bungie's Marathon on Steam

Bungie's decision to sunset Destiny 2 with a final update in June has left its fan base in turmoil. While some fans are paying tribute to the developers, others are expressing their discontent in unexpected ways. A segment of the Destiny 2 community has chosen to review-bomb Marathon, Bungie's latest PvP extraction shooter, on Steam. The rationale behind this action is the belief that Sony is prioritizing Marathon over Destiny 2, allocating resources that could have potentially extended the life of the sci-fi MMO.

This backlash has resulted in over 250 negative reviews for Marathon within a three-day period, dropping its recent review rating from 86% positive to 77%. Reviews such as "Destiny Series is better" and "Destiny Died for this game to fail. There is only one person to blame" exemplify the sentiment of these disgruntled fans. However, the Marathon community and other supporters have countered with an influx of positive reviews, totaling over 500 since the Destiny 2 announcement.

What Was Announced and the Community's Split Reaction

The review-bombing campaign and the subsequent positive backlash highlight a deeply split community reaction. A Lapsed Destiny 2 Player found a middle ground, stating: "I liked Destiny, overall... Marathon bridges the gap between [Destiny and Hunt: Showdown] really beautifully." This sentiment contrasts sharply with the negative reviews but indicates Marathon's appeal to some Destiny 2 fans seeking a different experience.

Despite the mixed reviews, Marathon and Destiny 2 now share similar daily peak concurrent player numbers on Steam. However, Destiny 2 once peaked at over 300,000 players, a milestone Marathon has never achieved, topping out below 100,000.

Key Features and Future Development

Marathon incorporates Roguelite inspiration and is known for its brutal community etiquette, elements that have made the game challenging to market broadly. Nevertheless, Bungie has received the green light to continue investing in Marathon, with plans for a PvE-only mode in the next season, alongside other updates aimed at enhancing the player experience.

• Roguelite Inspiration: Adds a layer of challenge and unpredictability, appealing to a niche but dedicated audience.
• Brutal Community Etiquette: Reflects the game's competitive nature but may deter casual players.
• PvE-Only Mode (Upcoming): Aims to attract players seeking a less competitive experience, potentially broadening Marathon's appeal.

Why It Matters: The Broader Implications

The situation surrounding Marathon and Destiny 2 underscores the challenges of managing community expectations and the transition between game lifecycles. While Destiny 2's decline is largely attributed to its own missteps post-2024, the backlash against Marathon demonstrates the emotional investment fans have in long-running series. Bungie's strategy to support Marathon with new content, including the PvE mode, will be crucial in determining if the game can sustain itself as a live-service title under Sony.

The community's mixed reaction also highlights the diversity of preferences within the gaming community. For some, Marathon successfully fills a gap between the fast-paced action of Destiny 2 and the tactical depth of Hunt: Showdown. For others, it remains a disappointing replacement for a beloved series. As Marathon moves forward, balancing these expectations while attracting new players will be key to its success.

Criticisms and the Path Forward

Marathon's poor launch and its challenging gameplay elements have been cited as significant drawbacks. The game's ability to overcome these criticisms and thrive will depend on Bungie's future updates and the community's willingness to give the game a chance beyond the current controversy. The planned updates, particularly the PvE mode, are seen as a step in the right direction, offering a potentially more accessible entry point for players put off by the competitive PvP scene.

Despite the challenges, Marathon's dedicated player base and the influx of positive reviews post-backlash indicate a resilient community. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Marathon's success will hinge on its ability to carve out a unique space, distinguishing itself from both Destiny 2 and other extraction shooters like Hunt: Showdown.

In conclusion, the review-bombing of Marathon by Destiny 2 fans, though understandable in the context of disappointment, misdirects blame. Destiny 2's sunset is a result of its own trajectory, and Marathon's fate will be decided by its ability to attract and retain a dedicated player base. As the dust settles, Bungie's support and the community's response to upcoming updates will be pivotal in shaping Marathon's place in the gaming ecosystem.