Marathon F2P Rumors Debunked; Pricing Reveal This Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will be a premium title. Dive into the details about Marathon's pricing strategy and the decision to exclude proximity chat from the game.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

Marathon's Director has confirmed that the game will not follow the free-to-play model, instead opting for a premium pricing structure. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, Bungie, the developers behind Marathon, unveiled the game’s release date and showcased a new gameplay trailer. While the exact price remains under wraps, the gaming community is eager to understand Bungie's monetization approach.

In an insightful episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's premium status. 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 the player experience. He noted, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price." This statement has sparked discussions and speculation on social media about Marathon's potential price range. Bungie further clarified via a Twitter (X) post on April 13 that Marathon will not be a full-priced title 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, enhancing immersion and interaction. However, it also brings challenges, particularly in managing in-game toxicity.

Bungie has decided not to include proximity chat in Marathon, citing concerns over player safety and the potential for negative interactions. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Joe Ziegler explained the decision, 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."

Ziegler emphasized the team's commitment to fostering a safe gaming environment but acknowledged the absence of a solution to mitigate the toxicity associated with proximity chat. While this choice might limit certain interactive gameplay elements, such as negotiating with opposing teams in this extraction shooter, Bungie is still searching for an effective solution. 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 on this highly anticipated title!