How to Sign Up For Marathon Closed Technical Test—Start & End Dates, Platforms & NDA Explained

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Bungie is starting a closed technical test for its new shooter game, Marathon, but it’s not open to everyone. If you’re interested in trying it out, we’ve gathered all the important information, including when the test runs and what you need to know about non-disclosure agreements.

On October 6th, Bungie announced a Closed Technical Test for their upcoming shooter game, Marathon. While this isn’t the first test for the game, it’s an important milestone as they work towards its eventual launch.

A limited number of players can currently try out the new beta, and getting access to the Marathon Closed Technical Test isn’t easy.

Marathon Closed Technical Test Start Date

The Marathon Closed Technical Test starts on Wednesday, October 22, at 10 AM PT for most players.

This isn’t a typical weekend test for Destiny 2. Unlike most betas and tests that last only three days, Bungie is giving players almost a full week to play matches. This extended time is meant to help everyone fully experience the game and provide useful feedback.

When Does Marathon Closed Technical Test End?

The final sessions of the Marathon Closed Technical Test are ending on October 28th at 10 AM Pacific Time, so you have just a few days left to participate.

This beta test will be short and fast-paced, not a long, drawn-out process. Time will fly by, so if you’re selected to participate, we encourage you to play as much as possible. The more you play, the more information we gather, which will ultimately help us create a better final game.

How to Play Marathon Closed Technical Test

You can get access to the Marathon Closed Technical Test in one of two ways: by completing a special application form from Bungie, or if you already signed up for the public Alpha test happening in April 2025.

This test isn’t open to everyone. It’s not like a public beta where you can simply download and play the game. You’ll need to sign up and hope you’re selected to participate.

Let’s show you how to apply for the Closed Technical Test:

  1. Go to Bungie’s Apply Now page for the Marathon Closed Technical Test.
  2. Click on the Closed Technical Test Application hyperlink.
  3. Choose your platform you want to play the Technical Test on.
  4. Sign in to your online account.
  5. Confirm your territory you’re based in and age.
  6. You will then be redirected to a Marathon sign-up form.
  7. Select your Target Platform.
  8. We recommend choosing Yes under the “playtest-related communications” section.
  9. Type your name to create a virtual signature.
  10. You now need to fill out several pages answering questions pertaining to your gaming habits.
  11. Once it’s all done, confirm your details.

The application form is very detailed. However, Bungie clearly wants to get to know its players, especially those who enjoy Marathon, and use that information to improve the game and make it better for the community.

All Marathon Closed Technical Test Platforms

The Closed Technical Test is available to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam players.

Marathon will be released on current-generation platforms only. Unfortunately, it won’t be available on older consoles like the PS4 or Xbox One, and it’s also not planned for any Nintendo Switch model.

What Does Marathon’s Closed Technical Test NDA Mean?

If you’re granted access to the Marathon Closed Technical Test, you’ll be bound by a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This means you can’t discuss your experience with anyone, and that includes sharing photos, videos, reviews, or even just talking about it on social media or elsewhere.

It’s probably best not to overthink it, but a non-disclosure agreement for a game’s testing phase often suggests the developers want to control information and avoid any bad press that could hurt the game’s reception.

Marathon has faced several issues recently. Despite a confidentiality agreement, early gameplay footage was streamed online. Additionally, there was controversy over artwork being used without permission, and a former developer publicly described the work environment as unhealthy.

Bungie is really hoping this upcoming test goes well. However, it’s important that you keep everything about it – your opinions and any gameplay footage – strictly confidential.

Applying for the Marathon Closed Technical Test? If you’ve tried any of the earlier beta versions, share your thoughts on the TopMob forum – if Bungie allows it!

Be sure to read about Marathon still being scheduled to release by March 2026.

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2025-10-07 15:49