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In a surprising move, Bungie announced that Marathon would be delayed. The original September 23rd release window was scrubbed, and the studio promised to provide a new launch date later in fall. This delay was ostensibly to allow the developers more time to refine gameplay, bolster art assets, and incorporate community feedback to create a more compelling experience.
The Underlying Reasons and Future Outlook
The official statement from Bungie pointed to alpha test feedback as the primary reason for delay. The studio acknowledged the need to better focus on elements like survival mechanics, lore, challenging endgame content, and Bungie’s signature FPS combat. They emphasized a commitment to deepening player engagement and polishing the game's core features.