It appears that Bungie’s upcoming project, Marathon, is looking to debut with a $40 price tag. This PvP extraction shooter was first unveiled in May 2023, and insider sources have hinted at a possible $40 launch price for the game, as reported by The Game Post. This signals a departure from the free-to-play model with microtransactions that many current games, including Bungie’s own Destiny 2, have adopted.
Discussions between Bungie and Sony have revolved around the pricing strategy for Marathon, likely influenced by the recent failure of Sony’s live-service game, Concord, which was quickly taken offline and refunded within two weeks of its release.
Under the new leadership of Joe Ziegler, Marathon has sparked debates and raised eyebrows, with concerns that it might align closely with hero shooter titles like Valorant and Overwatch, reminiscent of the fate that befell Concord. However, reports from The Game Post suggest that Marathon is not hero-centric; instead, it features diverse classes with unique abilities, offering gameplay akin to Escape from Tarkov but with a distinct “Bungie twist.” While only two playable maps have been confirmed, the possibility of additional maps remains uncertain.
In the lead-up to its launch, Bungie has been actively engaging in playtests involving internal teams, streamers, and content creators. Initial feedback has been somewhat positive, but questions loom over whether the $40 price point aligns with the game’s perceived value. Should Bungie proceed with this pricing strategy, there is a looming risk of encountering a fate similar to that of Concord.
Inside the studio, morale is reportedly low among developers due to ongoing leadership changes, further fueling apprehension regarding Marathon’s release. Additionally, concerns linger about the future of Destiny 2 and how the new expansion model will shape the game moving forward.
The success of Marathon holds significant weight for Bungie and its flagship franchise, Destiny. An upcoming trailer for Marathon is anticipated to shed light on new details about the game, paving the way for potential success in the competitive gaming landscape.
