Marathon Hosts Server Slam Test: Initial Results and Feedback
Bungie has launched a global technical test for its extraction shooter Marathon. The main goal this weekend is to stress-test the servers to their limits, so the developers are warning about potential queues, connection drops, and maintenance. All these issues will help prepare a stable version for the release on March 5, 2026. All participant progress will be reset after the test.
The current version features two locations on Tau Ceti IV: "Perimeter" and "Creepy Swamp." Players are offered five Runner shells and the ability to sign contracts with factions. Challenges can be tackled solo or in a squad.
The initial test results are mixed. The peak concurrent player count on Steam exceeded 143,000, and the game climbed to third place on the sales chart. However, on PlayStation, users rated the beta 3.52 out of 5 — a modest result for a project that was reworked after a poorly received alpha.
Player opinions are divided. Many praise the atmosphere and gunplay. But others complain about a confusing tutorial, a high skill floor, and a cluttered interface. According to some in the audience, the gameplay is shallow and won't retain a mass audience. Although the game has been improved, it's still not enough.
A separate issue is the console controls. The default settings are so inconvenient that players have to reconfigure everything manually.