This past weekend, Bungie unveiled the gameplay of their sci-fi shooter, Marathon, set to shake things up in the gaming industry. Renowned for crafting top-tier first-person shooter mechanics, Bungie is now diving into the extraction shooter genre, with the release date lined up for September 23. In Marathon, players gear up their characters, face off against others to gather loot, and then make a daring attempt to safely escape with their treasures.
Recently, I sat down with Joe Ziegler, the Game Director for Marathon, to unpack Bungie’s new project. We covered a broad range of topics, including the studio’s leap into this fresh genre, harnessing the power of the PS5, and the game’s striking visual style.
Tim Turi: Congratulations on the reveal! How’s the team feeling?
Joe Ziegler: It’s a thrilling experience. I’ve been calling it “nerve-cited.” We’ve dedicated a tremendous amount of energy to this project over the years, hoping to create a fantastic player experience. Seeing it finally interact with players is both exciting and nerve-wracking. We’re eager to see how our efforts resonate with the community.
When creating Marathon, did you have standout moments indicating you were onto something extraordinary?
Ziegler: Oh, absolutely. Unpredictable moments have been the key. Our game thrusts you into an enigmatic world where every encounter could be your last. For instance, stumbling upon the fierce United Earth Space Council (UESC) or narrowly dodging gunfire from other teams enhances the rush and excitement. Escaping after such encounters leaves you with a memorable, adrenaline-fueled high.
What’s the story behind the title “Marathon?”
Ziegler: The original 1994 game named “Marathon” after a colony ship sent by the UESC from Earth, traveling a 500-year journey to establish a colony on Tau Ceti. The name captures the epic scale of this voyage. We’re bringing back familiar elements from the original, such as the UESC Marathon ship and Tau Ceti, to charm new players and delight series veterans alike.
Bungie shines in crafting excellent shooting mechanics. How will Marathon stand out in this regard?
Ziegler: Our focus is on infusing Marathon with a strong survival aspect. Players must manage resources and adapt quickly. While maintaining the core shooting experience players crave, we’ve intertwined survival elements. Health doesn’t regenerate instantly; players need consumables to heal, prompting strategic decisions during combat. Resource management becomes crucial in planning your next move.
For players new to extraction shooters, what would you say to those feeling a bit hesitant?
Ziegler: While the game can be challenging, it’s immensely satisfying. As you develop survival instincts, you’ll start feeling like a pro. We’ve ensured the game feels fluid on a controller. Our aim is to streamline the controls to focus more on your in-game choices and survival. It’s about growing confidence and relishing those successful runs.
Can you shed light on the persistent progression features in Marathon?
Ziegler: We want players to feel their time is well-rewarded. Players will earn experience points to level up each season, and benefit from faction upgrades as well. By collecting resources, players can enhance character attributes like stamina and faster loot gathering. You’ll also unlock options in the Black Market, where in-game currency lets you purchase and enhance weapons and gear, broadening player options as they progress.
How is Bungie tapping into the PS5’s technology for this game?
Ziegler: We’ve embraced haptic feedback, making every gunfight feel palpable. The Tempest 3D Audio also adds another layer of immersion. Plus, our rendering techniques on the PS5—and especially the PS5 Pro—shine with features like Spectral Super Resolution for crisp visuals. Gamers will notice and appreciate these enhancements.
Marathon’s visual style is certainly eye-catching. Can you explain its uniqueness?
Ziegler: We were inspired by modern graphic and product design. There’s an intriguing allure in images that challenge your perception. Our combination of bold graphics and sci-fi tech against natural backdrops creates a fresh visual experience. This contrast reinforces the themes of mystery and discovery, vital to the game’s ambiance.
What do you hope PlayStation users take away from the Marathon reveal?
Ziegler: If you’re a fan of intense survival and want to test your abilities against others, Marathon is for you. With a seamless cross-platform experience, I’m particularly excited to welcome PlayStation players. We’ve poured our hearts into creating an engaging game. We can’t wait to see how players tackle its challenges and make it their own.
Marathon arrives on PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S this September 23.
