Frustration grows as Bungie limits access to Marathon Closed Alpha

In the United States, Bungie's Marathon Closed Alpha started on April 25, 2025, at 1 PM ET. Players who applied for access have expressed significant disappointment as many have not received their Closed Alpha codes despite ongoing waves of distribution. Surveys indicated a vast majority, about 82%, of applicants were left without codes. Furthermore, those who do have codes might encounter delays in entering the game due to a population cap Bungie has put in place, requiring players to be patient while they address technical concerns. Bungie has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the game, particularly regarding balance issues with PC aim assist, which many players perceive as an unfair advantage. They plan to adjust these settings as player feedback indicated that current aim assistance feels akin to having a built-in aimbot. Game Director Andrew Watts indicated this was an Alpha test to gather data on user preferences for parity between input methods. Despite the problems, Bungie assures that their goal is to maintain a competitive balance without a significant detriment to skilled play. Another major complaint is the absence of a solo mode for players wishing to engage in the game without a preset trio. Joe Ziegler, the Game Director, noted that while players could join games alone, the current structure doesn't support solo-only lobbies. This design choice affects the gameplay experience, as players without a group may find themselves at a disadvantage in matches designed around team dynamics. Looking ahead, Bungie plans to offer an Open Beta in August, aiming to attract those who miss the Closed Alpha. While players will have to wait, they have the option to engage with streams to get a sense of the game. Overall, participants in the Closed Alpha are facing various frustrations, but Bungie’s commitment to feedback suggests they are aware of these issues and willing to consider adjustments as the testing phase continues.