TheBadGamer

Bungie’s highly anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, may be in for a longer wait than initially expected. According to recent reports, the game, which was rumored to target a 2025 release, might not meet that timeline due to ongoing development challenges. This news comes as a disappointment for fans eagerly awaiting Bungie’s first new game in seven years. Marathon's Development Struggles Marathon, a revival of the classic franchise announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, represents a significant shift from its predecessors. Unlike the original story-driven first-person shooters, the new Marathon is set to be a live-service PvP extraction shooter. The game is set in the year 2850 on Tau Ceti, a familiar location from the original series. Players will take on the roles of "Runners," who utilize clone technology to transfer their consciousness into different bodies, effectively allowing them to avoid permanent death during missions. While this new direction has intrigued some fans, others remain skeptical. Now, it seems those who are interested may need to brace themselves for an extended wait. Industry insider Jason Schreier recently spoke on the Friends Per Second podcast, revealing that the sentiment around Marathon at Bungie is "not great." Schreier mentioned that Bungie had initially planned to release Marathon in 2024, but the project has already slipped into 2025. Even with this delay, Schreier noted that some developers at Bungie are still "pessimistic" about meeting the new timeline. Impact of Recent Bungie Layoffs These concerns about Marathon's development are further compounded by Bungie’s recent layoffs. The studio recently cut 220 jobs, a move that has undoubtedly affected the development teams. Bungie has stated that it will focus on Destiny 2 and Marathon, with a previously internal project being shifted to a different PlayStation Studios team. However, with a reduced workforce, the challenges in delivering Marathon on time have likely increased. The past few weeks have been particularly tough for Bungie. Despite the critical success of Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion, the layoffs have cast a shadow over the studio’s future projects. Marathon is seen by many as Bungie’s next big venture, but the development issues and recent layoffs suggest that the game may face further delays. Final Thoughts As of now, it remains unclear whether Bungie will be able to overcome the reported challenges and deliver Marathon within its rumored 2025 release window. Fans and industry watchers alike will be keeping a close eye on any updates from Bungie. If the game is indeed facing significant hurdles, the wait for Marathon could extend even further, adding to the growing list of delays in the gaming industry. Also Read:

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