Marathon Alpha Players Demand a 2026 Delay: Is Bungie Listening?

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Summary

  • Players want Bungie’s Marathon delayed until 2026.
  • Most Alpha testers agree the game isn’t ready for its September launch.
  • Rumors suggest Marathon’s Open Beta will begin in August.

Since Marathon’s Closed Alpha has been running smoothly, players have started voicing their concerns about the new shooter, with some suggesting that the game should be postponed to address the problems affecting its gameplay. Marathon is Bungie’s first significant intellectual property since they became a Sony subsidiary, and it was initially unveiled during PlayStation’s Showcase in 2023.

The team-based action shooter game, which is Bungie’s latest addition to their sci-fi series that started in 1994 on Mac OS, is sometimes seen as the precursor to the Halo series. Bungie has been discussing the potential price of the original game, Marathon, with a rumored $40 tag, but now fans are more focused on the game’s Alpha version and concerns about an early release.

A number of gamers who’ve played the Alpha version of ‘Marathon’ have expressed their worries about its gameplay on social media platforms, with many advocating for a delay in its release until 2026. In an article published by Forbes, Paul Tassi discusses the reasons behind this proposed postponement, suggesting that despite Sony aiming for a 2025 launch, Bungie requires additional time to ensure the game meets expectations. The developers of ‘Marathon’ have announced several changes for its next Closed Alpha update, including disabling the contentious Mouse Magnatism feature, and it is hoped these adjustments will lead to a more enjoyable testing phase.

Marathon Alpha Players Think Bungie’s Shooter Should Be Delayed Until 2026

On Twitter, YouTuber LegacyKillaHD concurred that the game should be postponed until 2026, citing a decrease in player count since the Alpha’s release and stating that Marathon requires improvement and justification for its price tag. Additionally, other Twitter users questioned whether Bungie is taking player feedback seriously, as many testers feel the game isn’t ready yet. Meanwhile, Splitgate 2’s Closed Beta start date was announced, garnering positive responses from gamers who found solace in 1047 Games’ upcoming title following their disappointment with Marathon’s Alpha.

It’s been speculated that Marathon‘s Open Beta will kick off in August, just a month before its official September launch. During this period, gamers might have the opportunity to pre-order the shooter alongside the Beta, following the Closed Alpha phase which takes place from April 23 to May 4. Bungie has chosen to lift the NDA on the Alpha, allowing for open player feedback, and it’s expected this level of transparency will carry over into the game’s Beta testing.

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2025-04-30 11:55