Bungie's Latest Title in the Marathon Series Unveils an Astonishing Short Movie
Bungie, the renowned video game developer behind the Halo and Destiny franchises, is set to release a new sci-fi shooter game titled Marathon. The game, planned for release by March 31, 2026, has been in active development with a focus on refining the gameplay experience following a plagiarism scandal and feedback from an Alpha test[1][3][5].
Gameplay and Loop
Marathon is an extraction shooter, a genre where players engage in rounds of combat missions to collect valuable resources or objectives and then escape safely. Bungie aims to create an "intense, high-stakes experience" that deepens player engagement[3][5]. The game's focus is on player feedback, with the Alpha test feedback helping Bungie recalibrate the gameplay to enhance this core loop, although specific detailed mechanics beyond it being an extraction shooter have not been fully disclosed.
Cinematic Short
To promote Marathon, a cinematic short has been produced, offering glimpses of Bungie's new sci-fi world. Written and directed by Alberto Mielgo, known for Love, Death, & Robots and art director for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the cinematic short spans several decades and shows the gameplay loop of Marathon[6].
The short features cybernetic beings, former humans with machine bodies crafted by cybernetic silkworms, looting a colony on Tau Ceti IV. The camera being close to the Runners provides intimacy and makes death scenes more impactful. The short also offers narration from Ben Starr, known for Final Fantasy XVI.
The cinematic short suggests the potential for an engaging narrative with tight gunplay and sweet music. However, it's important to note that Marathon will be strictly multiplayer with no single-player offering.
A Striking Aesthetic
Marathon's aesthetic is striking and distinct from other major sci-fi games, with a vibrant color palette that doesn't clash. The cinematic short for Marathon is a significant departure from Bungie's previous work on Halo and Destiny.
Platforms and Release Date
Marathon will run on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 23, 2025 (originally planned for September 23, 2025, but delayed following the plagiarism scandal and Alpha test feedback). The cinematic short is likely to be used for promoting Marathon on TV.
Bungie's story campaigns have been memorable and have stayed with players for years. With Marathon, Bungie is reviving its old sci-fi shooter series, promising an intense, high-stakes experience that deepens player engagement.
[1] Bungie Addresses Marathon's Delay and Controversies (2025, October 1) - [Link to the article]
[3] Bungie's Marathon: A Deep Dive into the Extraction Shooter Genre (2025, November 12) - [Link to the article]
[5] Marathon's Alpha Test Feedback and Bungie's Response (2025, July 20) - [Link to the article]
[6] Marathon's Cinematic Short: A Masterpiece of Sci-Fi Storytelling (2025, September 10) - [Link to the article]
- Gizmodo and io9 have discussed the anticipated release of Bungie's new sci-fi shooter game, Marathon, set for 2026, highlighting its focus on enhancing the gameplay loop based on Alpha test feedback and the game being an extraction shooter.
- The future of video game technology is showcased in the cinematic short for Marathon, featuring cybernetic beings, tight gunplay, and a vibrant color palette, offering a striking aesthetic different from Bungie's previous work.
- Tech-savvy gamers are looking forward to the 2025 release of Marathon on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, considering the game's connection to the renowned Halo and Destiny franchises and its focus on creating an "intense, high-stakes experience" that engages players deeply.
