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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, the studio's much-anticipated game, has resurfaced with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to take place soon.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy creation process. Last fall, the developer stated it was aiming to start Alpha tests during the coming year. A period of silence followed, until the game was showcased again in April with a Sept. 23 launch date. However, following initial testing led to mixed reactions, the studio announced in June that it was postponing the game's launch.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Though Marathon has already encountered its fair share of issues, the development team appears committed to ensure Marathon doesn't suffer Concord's fate. Currently, it appears the game's development is moving forward again, as they just revealed that it has run "several closed playtests to gather feedback on Marathon" since June of this year. The studio is expanding access, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Given the fact that it's a closed testing phase, it's understandably more exclusive than, for example, an public test. To participate in the technical test — which takes place between October 22nd to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — players must satisfy the following pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via the official website
• Live in supported regions
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox console, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600 processor, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Participate in their community platform
• Sign an NDA via the online community

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the technical test, players must complete registration by Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. PDT. PC users can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on October 13th, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will notify players who qualify and inform them of the following procedures.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including three maps, several character options, proximity communication, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, enhanced narrative elements, and more," Bungie said. "That said, the Technical Test build is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for the game's final version, concentrating on the initial gameplay moments."

Further Details

More info about the technical test and the actual experience can be found on the game's support section. But for individuals who don't qualify for the trial (or don't have time), there's still good news: Bungie says a official announcement on the project's status is the following item on the agenda once the test is over.

"We'll be sharing a public update on the game's progress in the coming months after the private testing phase!" The studio shared.