This weekend, Bungie took the gaming world by storm with the revelation of Marathon’s sci-fi gameplay. Known for its exceptional first-person experiences and ever-expanding universes, the studio is now stepping into the extraction-shooter genre, with Marathon set to launch on September 23. The game’s premise is both straightforward and alluring: gear up your Runner with precious items, compete against other players to grab more loot, and make a daring escape to keep your winnings intact.
I managed to catch up with Marathon’s Game Director, Joe Ziegler, right after this exciting announcement, and we delved into the heart of Bungie’s latest project. We discussed a wide range of topics, from the studio’s fresh take on a different genre to harnessing the power of the PS5, exploring the game’s vivid art style, and more.
Tim Turi: Huge congratulations on unveiling the gameplay! How are you and the team holding up after the big reveal?
Joe Ziegler: It’s exhilarating, to say the least. I’ve been describing the feeling as ‘nerve-cited.’ We’ve poured so much passion into this project over the years, constantly refining with our audience in mind, always aiming to create something remarkable. Getting it into players’ hands for the first time is exciting but also nerve-wracking because it’s the moment of truth where you hope all your decisions resonate with players. We believe we’re on the right track, but we’re really eager to hear their feedback.
During Marathon’s development, were there any specific experiences or moments that made the team at Bungie realize they had something special?
Absolutely, there were countless unexpected moments. The game takes players to a mysterious world with danger lurking around every corner. You might turn a corner and come face-to-face with the United Earth Space Council (UESC), our game’s formidable opponents, or find yourself caught in crossfire from another crew. Such moments are thrilling, especially when you think you won’t make it, then manage to turn things around or barely escape. When you finally extract, the adrenaline rush is unforgettable.
What’s the story behind the name “Marathon”?
In the original 1994 game, “Marathon” is the name of a colony ship sent from Earth by the UESC to establish the first colony in the Tau Ceti system. The ship, built into an asteroid-like moon, undertook a 500-year journey, which might explain the fitting name “Marathon.” We’re reviving this iconic name for our new game because of the IP’s legacy. While we’re reinventing many aspects, we’re also preserving elements like the significant UESC Marathon ship and the legendary Tau Ceti that old fans will appreciate.
Bungie is known for its stellar gunplay. How do you preserve that legacy while giving Marathon’s FPS action its own distinct flavor?
It’s all about the nature of the game and the decisions we want players to make. Marathon is a survival game, placing pressure on players to manage resources and remain adaptable. To enrich the familiar action, we’ve layered in survival elements. For instance, health doesn’t automatically regenerate; you have consumables for healing. This adds strategic decision-making about when to engage or retreat, considering your resources.
For gamers intrigued by extraction shooters but hesitant about the risk/reward aspect, what do you have to say?
This game is challenging and intense but also extremely rewarding. As you play, you’ll develop new survival skills, feel increasingly masterful, and gain confidence. We’ve made the game feel natural on controllers, letting you focus on honing your survival instincts instead of fiddling with interfaces.
When players enter a match with valuable loadouts, how do persistent progression elements come into play?
We’re ensuring that every match offers value for time spent. Progression is tied to experience; players can level up their runner each season, and factions offer upgrades based on the materials and currencies collected. These upgrades can enhance stats like stamina or speed up looting. Additionally, the in-game Black Market shop lets you use game-earned currency to buy weapons and upgrades, expanding your options over time.
How is Bungie leveraging PlayStation 5 technology for Marathon?
We’re fully utilizing PS5’s haptic feedback, adding a tactile element to gunfights. Paired with the Tempest 3D Audio engine, the audio experience will be incredibly immersive. Plus, the rendering capabilities on both PS5 and PS5 Pro are stunning. Expect to see advanced use of PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) and enhanced upscaling and resolution.
Marathon’s art style is unlike anything else. What makes it so unique?
Our aesthetic combines graphic design with cutting-edge product design. The visuals are bold, almost print-like, yet infused with sci-fi technology, creating striking contrasts. It’s a unique visual language that reflects the game’s themes of paranoia and the relentless search for truth amid uncertainty, adding a vibrant dimension to the gameplay.
Is there anything else you want the PlayStation audience to take away from this reveal?
If you love survival experiences and thrive on competing alongside other players, seeking thrilling, unpredictable adventures, Marathon is your game. We’ve ensured a seamless cross-platform experience and invested deeply in making it fun and engaging. We’re eager to welcome PlayStation players into our community and watch them excel.
Mark your calendars: Marathon launches on September 23 for PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S.
