Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will be a premium title. Dive deeper to understand Marathon's pricing strategy and the reasons behind the developers' decision to exclude 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, the developers of Marathon, they unveiled the game's release date and showcased a new gameplay trailer. However, the price of the game remains undisclosed, sparking curiosity among fans about its monetization strategy.
In an insightful episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's pricing model. He stated, "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 added, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price."
Speculation about Marathon's price has been rampant on social media, with fans sharing their predictions. However, Bungie clarified via a Twitter (X) post on April 13 that Marathon will not be a full-priced title but a premium one, with more detailed pricing information 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 a staple in many multiplayer games, enhancing the immersive experience. However, it also introduces the risk of toxicity, as players can encounter both friendly and offensive remarks.
Bungie has decided against including proximity chat in Marathon. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Joe Ziegler explained the reasoning behind this decision. He said, "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."
Ziegler emphasized the team's commitment to fostering a safe gaming environment and admitted that they currently lack a solution to mitigate the toxicity associated with proximity chat. This decision impacts the game's social dynamics, particularly in an extraction shooter where negotiating with opposing teams can be crucial.
Despite ongoing efforts by many companies to address this issue, Bungie has not found a satisfactory solution yet. Ziegler concluded, "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 slated 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 related articles below!
