Marathon is Bungie’s bold foray into the world of extraction shooters, and it has some pretty significant shoes to fill. Diving headfirst into a market teeming with heavy hitters, the seasoned studio faces quite the challenge. But if there’s anything Bungie has demonstrated over the years, it’s its ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.
One of the burning questions right now is: who exactly is Marathon for? With time being such a precious commodity for many gamers, a new live service game might feel like a daunting commitment. Bungie is keenly aware of this, especially after hearing feedback about Destiny 2’s time demands. Marathon could be a real test for Destiny fans who are curious but cautious, forcing them to make some tough calls.
If you’re familiar with Destiny, you know it’s a game that demands a significant chunk of your schedule. Bungie has cleverly designed systems to keep players coming back regularly, ensuring they hit those crucial milestones each season. Although they’ve made some adjustments to ease the grind, Destiny still has that insatiable thirst for players’ time.
Now, Marathon is entering the ring as Bungie’s second live service project, destined to stand alongside Destiny 2. As an extraction shooter, its core revolves around snagging the best gear, which means investing plenty of time to acquire top-tier loot. The team hopes to cultivate a dynamic community, where players willingly immerse themselves if the rewards are enticing enough.
The big conversation nowadays is about just how many live service games can coexist before players reach their limit, a dilemma Destiny fans know all too well. Balancing time between Destiny and Marathon won’t be easy. That’s if Destiny’s crowd even takes a shine to Marathon, but fans of Bungie’s current lineup seem like the right audience to target. They’re already acquainted with the studio’s work and might be more forgiving if the launch isn’t perfect.
However, for Marathon to successfully capture the attention of these gamers, it needs to avoid monopolizing all their free time. While specific details about its features are still under wraps, we do know the game will feature seasons with ongoing story updates. Drawing from Destiny’s experience, the seasonal grind could demand considerable engagement.
One particular aspect that might deter Destiny players is Marathon’s seasonal inventory wipes. Destiny enthusiasts often hold onto weapons, even if they’re not currently useful. The thought of losing their hard-earned gear each season might be a deal-breaker for some.
With its divisive features, Marathon faces the daunting task of striking just the right balance, encouraging frequent play without leading to burnout. Thanks to their extensive experience in the live service arena, exemplified by Sony’s acquisition of Bungie for $3.6 billion in 2022, they’ve got a fighting chance to nail this tricky balancing act and keep players wanting to juggle both worlds.
