Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will be a premium title. Dive into the details of Marathon’s pricing strategy and the reasons behind the exclusion of proximity chat.
Marathon Development Updates
Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play
Marathon Director has officially confirmed that the game will not follow the free-to-play model but will instead be a premium title. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, hosted by Bungie, Marathon's developer, they unveiled the game's release date and showcased a new gameplay trailer. However, the price of the game remains undisclosed, leaving fans eager to understand the monetization strategy.
In an enlightening episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's pricing direction, stating, "We’re hoping that what we’re showing is exciting enough that someone is going to take the leap with us, but we are also committed to delivering on seasons past this that will continuously offer to evolve the game without an increase to the box price."
Ziegler expressed confidence in the game's current state and the team's dedication to enhancing its appeal. He noted, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price." This statement has sparked discussions among fans, with many taking to social media to speculate on potential price points. Bungie further clarified via a Twitter (X) post on April 13 that Marathon won't be a full-priced game but a premium one, with more pricing details to be announced this summer.
Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat
Proximity chat, a feature that allows players to communicate based on their in-game proximity, has become increasingly popular in multiplayer games. It offers a more immersive and interactive experience. However, it also introduces the risk of toxicity, as players can be exposed to both friendly and harmful remarks.
Bungie decided to forgo proximity chat in Marathon to ensure a safer gaming environment. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Ziegler explained the reasoning, saying, "When it comes to prox chat, I don't think we're against the experience of it, to be fair. I think the challenge is how to make sure we're creating a safe environment for players inside of that space."
The team is focused on fostering a safe space for players but has not yet found a satisfactory solution to mitigate the toxicity that proximity chat can bring. This decision impacts the potential for dynamic interactions with opposing teams, which is particularly relevant in an extraction shooter like Marathon. Ziegler acknowledged the ongoing challenge, stating, "I think that's where we stand right now. Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out."
Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our article below!
