This past weekend, Bungie pulled back the curtain on the gameplay for their new sci-fi experience, Marathon. Known for their mastery in first-person shooters, Bungie is stepping into the extraction-shooter arena, aiming for a September 23 release. The premise of Marathon is straightforward yet thrilling: arm your Runner with the best gear, engage in battles with other players to gather more loot, and then take the chance of extracting with all your hard-earned treasures.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler right after the game was unveiled, and we delved into the intricacies of Bungie’s upcoming venture. We discussed a wide range of topics, from their strategy for embracing a new genre to the utilization of the PS5’s capabilities, the game’s daring artistic design, and much more.
As part of this unveiling, a video showcasing the game was shared online, enticing viewers with its dynamic visuals and suspenseful gameplay elements typical of Bungie’s design.
Tim Turi: Congratulations on the massive gameplay reveal! After the event, how are you and your team feeling?
Joe Ziegler: It’s incredibly exhilarating. I’ve been describing it as a “nerve-cited” moment. We’ve poured years of passion into this project, fine-tuning it while engaging with our audience, with the goal of delivering something truly memorable and exciting to play. Placing it in the hands of real players is both thrilling and daunting. After all, you start second-guessing many of the choices you’ve made, hoping beyond hope that they align with what players want. We’re hopeful, but above all, eager to see players’ reactions.
Did you have any moments during the making of Marathon that confirmed you were onto something remarkable?
Absolutely, numerous unexpected instances have highlighted this. Imagine venturing into an enigmatic world where danger is a constant companion. Sometimes you find yourself suddenly facing the United Earth Space Council (UESC), menacing adversaries in the game. Other times, you’re crossing a map when shots ring out from an enemy crew that spotted you first. These moments can be electrifying—you might barely escape, turn the tables, or scrape through a near-impossible scenario, leaving you buzzing with an adrenaline rush you’ll recall for ages.
Can you share the story behind the name “Marathon”?
The name “Marathon” originates from the original 1994 game, where it referred to the UESC’s colony ship dispatched from Earth. Sent beyond our solar system, the ship was meant to initiate the first colonization in the Tau Ceti system. The UESC Marathon was a peculiar vessel, built within an asteroid-like moon to embark on a centuries-long voyage. I suspect the name symbolizes this extensive, marathon-like journey across space.
We’re resurrecting the Marathon name for this 2025 game, leveraging the franchise’s rich legacy. While we’re reimagining much of it, we’re also retaining iconic elements like the UESC Marathon ship and Tau Ceti, which should delight long-time fans.
Given Bungie’s reputation for impeccable gunplay, how do you retain this legacy while giving Marathon its distinct FPS experience?
It largely hinges on the game’s core nature—survival. It’s about encouraging players to make strategic decisions amidst resource management and situational awareness. The gunplay remains familiar but with added intense layers unique to survival games. For instance, health doesn’t regenerate quickly, emphasizing the use of consumables to heal. This mechanic ensures players think critically about whether to advance or retreat based on their limited resources.
Any words of encouragement for those intrigued by extraction shooters but hesitant about the risk-reward aspect?
I’d say Marathon offers a satisfying challenge. Initially daunting, players will soon develop new survival instincts, gaining a sense of mastery. The game is also designed to feel intuitive on controllers, which is important since many extraction shooters favor mouse and keyboard setups. We’ve focused on removing any unnecessary complexity to let players concentrate on adapting and honing survival skills.
Could you elaborate on how player progression remains significant even with the risks involved?
Every match intends to reward players for their time, through experience points and progression systems. Leveling up your Runner each season, earning faction-related upgrades, or collecting materials and currency allows you to enhance character abilities. Over time, you’ll unlock access to better gear and more options in the Black Market, expanding your strategic possibilities with every play.
How is Marathon harnessing the PS5’s power to enhance gameplay?
We are leveraging features like the haptic feedback in DualSense controllers, adding tactile dimensions to firefights. The Tempest 3D Audio engine is also in play, delivering an immersive soundscape. Moreover, the rendering capabilities of the PS5 and PS5 Pro allow us to push visual boundaries using technologies like PSSR for impressive upscaling and resolution, ensuring owners of these consoles are in for a visual treat.
What defines Marathon’s unique art style?
Our visuals draw heavily from graphic and modern product design. There’s an allure to visuals that challenge perception—you might feel you almost understand them or not at all, but they remain compelling. Mixing bold graphic elements reminiscent of print media with sci-fi touches against organic backdrops, the contrasts highlight the game’s suspenseful ambience. This blend underscores Marathon’s theme of paranoia and the blurring lines between truth and fiction.
Is there any final message you’d like to share with PlayStation fans?
For those who crave a survival challenge, eager to test themselves against others, or simply want to embark on a thrilling and unpredictable journey, Marathon is your game. It’s been crafted to translate fluidly across platforms, and we can’t wait to see how PlayStation players make their mark. We’ve invested so much love and enthusiasm into this project, and now we’re excited to welcome new players into our community and witness their skills firsthand.
Marathon is set to launch on September 23 for PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S.
