Bungie reveals new details about Marathon leaks

Bungie has been tight-lipped about its upcoming game, Marathon, leading to a surge of leaks and reports providing insights into its development. Recent information suggests that Joe Ziegler, previously associated with Valorant, has taken over the project from Chris Barrett, who was recently let go. This change in leadership has raised concerns among fans regarding the game's direction, particularly with the introduction of hero characters, which has been a point of contention in the gaming community. Despite these concerns, playtesters for Marathon are not primarily from hero shooter backgrounds but rather from games like Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown. This indicates a potential shift in gameplay mechanics, focusing on weapon customization rather than fixed hero abilities. The speculation surrounding the game's monetization model suggests it may adopt a free-to-play structure, especially in light of previous failures like Concord. Reports confirm that Marathon is not at risk of cancellation despite Sony's recent challenges with live service games. However, the timeline for its release remains uncertain, with 2025 being a possible target. The development team is reportedly not larger than that of Destiny at this time, which may impact the game's overall scope and quality. Ultimately, the main takeaway from these leaks is that Marathon will not feature rigid hero characters, allowing for more player customization. This approach aims to alleviate fears that the game will mirror the structure of Valorant, focusing instead on a more flexible gameplay experience.