Marathon’s Rumored Price Tag May Not Be a Death Knell Like Concord’s

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Marathon's Rumored Price Tag May Not Be a Death Knell Like Concord's

Key Takeaways

  • The upcoming Marathon revival by Bungie is facing delays and internal division in its attempt to make a live-service model work.
  • The game is rumored to cost $40 at launch, and while this may be concerning to players due to Concord’s recent failure, other games like Helldivers 2 show it can work.
  • Bungie’s track record for innovation is pivotal in competing in the oversaturated live-service market. Additionally, the game will need better marketing than Concord.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen more game launches than I can count. The news about Bungie’s Marathon revival has me both excited and a tad worried. On one hand, the idea of revisiting such an iconic franchise is tantalizing. On the other, the reports of delays and internal strife make me recall the fate of Concord, another ambitious live-service title that didn’t quite hit the mark.

Bungie plans to resurrect one of its earliest intellectual properties in the upcoming revival of Marathon, but things seem to be running into trouble. It’s been suggested that one of Bungie’s potential strategies mirrors the failed project called Concord, but there’s still hope for it to succeed if they adjust their approach.

In spite of the initial enthusiasm surrounding its launch, the new version of Marathon has encountered setbacks and internal conflicts. Originally, the Marathon trilogy (the final installment of which was released in 1996) paved the way for narrative-driven first-person shooters, such as Bungie’s Halo series. However, this fresh take on the dormant franchise is adopting a live-service approach, blending class-based features with gameplay reminiscent of Escape from Tarkov. The live-service market is highly competitive, and the modifications being made to Marathon have already raised concerns among some fans.

Bungie’s Marathon Could Still Avoid Concord’s Fate, Despite Its Rumored $40 Price Tag

Based on The Game Post, unconfirmed sources claim that the game “Marathon” will retail for $40 at its launch. While this information should be taken with a grain of salt, it aligns with Sony’s efforts to expand their live service offerings, as seen in games like “Concord” and “Helldivers 2”. Notably, this price is significantly lower than the standard $70 industry price tag. However, the live-service aspects of “Marathon” make this potential cost reduction particularly noteworthy.

Luckily for Bungie, although the claims link Marathon more to the disastrous aftermath of Concord, it hasn’t ventured too near the danger yet. The forthcoming resurrection of one of Bungie’s earliest properties is brimming with hidden advantages, ranging from its rich history to Bungie’s reputation for blazing new trails. However, it’s challenging to ignore that Concord has served as a significant milestone for the industry—one that demonstrates gamers’ resistance to participating in overcrowded live-service games. If Marathon doesn’t deliver an appealing deal to fans, no trick or ‘Bungie twist’ can save it.

Marathon Has IP Backing

In a new twist, Marathon might deviate from its original storyline, yet the essence of that story remains significant. If the reported high cost aligns with reality, it could attract fans due to a longing for something they cherish deeply. However, being connected to an IP (Intellectual Property) only goes so far, as shown by the controversy surrounding Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. To capitalize on this potential, Marathon will require robust marketing, which was also lacking in Concord. Moreover, the game must acknowledge and honor its earlier installments while progressing the series’ narrative creatively and convincingly.

Bungie’s Known For Fresh Ideas, And That’s Just What The Genre Needs

Bungie faces numerous challenges, including allegations of a culture that’s biased and overwork-prone, along with recent large-scale job cuts. Yet, despite these problems, Bungie boasts a reputation for pioneering new territories. The Destiny series has significantly impacted the gaming industry, and Destiny 2 successfully established itself as a notable player in the live-service genre. However, it’s important to note that Bungie’s most remarkable achievement might be the Halo franchise, which has profoundly influenced the way games are developed and played.

In light of the intense competition within the live-service market due to saturation, it’s crucial for any newcomer like Marathon to present innovative concepts. To ensure its survival, Marathon must offer something unique and in sufficient quantity to warrant its projected cost. Games such as Concord, Lawbreakers, and Anthem struggled because they lacked a compelling hook and content, which hastened their descent into the annals of gaming history. Marathon needs to not only be aware of this but go the extra mile to validate its claimed price. Helldivers 2 managed to make its $40 asking price appealing, and if Marathon offers enough depth, its entry fee could prove beneficial rather than detrimental.

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2024-09-20 16:35