Bungie has stirred excitement among gaming enthusiasts by announcing a closed alpha test for its upcoming game, Marathon, scheduled from April 23 to May 4. Exclusive to participants in the United States and Canada, this early experience allows lucky gamers to dive into the game several months before its official release on September 23. While regions outside North America may have to wait a bit longer, they can likely expect similar opportunities as the launch approaches.
Marathon is set to be Bungie’s first new project since the massively successful Destiny 2, which debuted back in September 2017. This game introduces a fresh twist to the franchise, bringing it into the midst of the popular extraction shooter genre, a type of gameplay that wasn’t around when the original series emerged in the 1990s.
Recently, Bungie revealed Marathon’s release details, alongside some stunning visuals in a gameplay trailer that dropped on April 12. This announcement marks the end of a long wait for fans, as little information had been shared since its initial announcement during the PlayStation Games Showcase in May 2023.
Now, players eager to test their skills in Marathon can gear up for the closed alpha, spanning two weeks from April 23. Participants chosen for the test, which spans PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, will need to agree to a non-disclosure agreement before jumping into the action.
For those interested in joining, there are a few steps to follow: be at least 18 and reside in the U.S. or Canada, join Marathon’s official Discord server, and participate as instructed in the server to secure a spot. Successful applicants will receive an email invite ahead of the alpha test, including a code redeemable on Bungie.net for access.
The closed alpha will spotlight bug testing and player feedback, crucial to refining the game before its wider release. However, some hiccups have already occurred with the registration process, specifically affecting usernames beginning with special characters or numbers. Bungie is actively working to fix these problems.
As Marathon’s launch approaches, fans are eager to see how Bungie’s new endeavor will perform. With three maps slated for release and a promise of innovative gameplay, expectations are high. As DrLupo, a popular streamer, has already shared, there’s promising potential, though room for improvement remains. As anticipation builds, Marathon stands poised to carve its niche within the gaming landscape.
