Bungie Unveils New Details on Its FPS Extraction Game – PlayStation.Blog

This past weekend, Bungie introduced the world to the captivating gameplay of Marathon, a new addition to their portfolio that draws heavily from the sci-fi genre. Renowned for crafting exceptional first-person shooter experiences, Bungie is now exploring the extraction-shooter landscape with Marathon, slated for release on September 23. The game’s concept is straightforward yet alluring: Equip your Runner with essential gear, outmaneuver other players, and take the risk of extracting with your winnings.

In a recent chat with Marathon’s Game Director, Joe Ziegler, I delved into the finer points of Bungie’s latest venture. We discussed the studio’s foray into a new game genre, how the power of the PS5 is being harnessed, and the unique art style that sets Marathon apart.

Tim Turi: Congratulations on unveiling Marathon’s gameplay! How are you and your team feeling after the reveal?

Joe Ziegler: We’re thrilled! The feeling is a mix of excitement and nerves—what I like to call "nerve-cited." We’ve poured years of passion into this project, iterating alongside our audience, all with the aim of crafting something truly exceptional. Now, seeing it in the players’ hands for the first time is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. We’re eager to hear what players think and hope they’ll connect with the elements we’ve emphasized.

Tim: Were there any pivotal moments during Marathon’s development that made you realize you had something special on your hands?

Joe: Absolutely, and many of those moments were surprisingly unpredictable. In Marathon, you’re navigating a mysterious world brimming with danger. There are times you unexpectedly encounter the formidable United Earth Space Council or find another crew suddenly firing at you. These scenarios are thrilling, particularly when you manage to turn things around and successfully escape. Such intense moments stay with you long after you’ve finished playing.

Tim: Can you share the history behind the name "Marathon"?

Joe: The name originally comes from the 1994 game, where "Marathon" was a colony ship sent by the UESC beyond our solar system to establish a base at Tau Ceti. This ship, the UESC Marathon, was quite unique, being built into an asteroid-like moon for its 500-year journey. So, the name reflects this long journey. With the new game, we wanted to revisit this legacy, bringing back familiar elements like the ship and Tau Ceti that long-time fans would appreciate.

Tim: Bungie has a reputation for impeccable gunplay. How does Marathon distinguish itself while staying true to this legacy?

Joe: We focused on the survival aspect in Marathon, encouraging players to manage resources and adapt to situations. We’ve integrated survival mechanics into our familiar action base to enhance the gameplay. For instance, health regeneration is slow, but healing consumables are available, forcing players to strategize about whether to fight or retreat. This creates opportunities for critical decision-making.

Tim: What would you say to players interested in extraction shooters but who might find the genre intimidating?

Joe: While Marathon is challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. As you play, you’ll hone your survival skills, gaining a sense of mastery. We’ve designed the game to feel intuitive on controllers, moving away from the traditional mouse-and-keyboard setup to focus on gameplay and skill development.

Tim: With players risking their loadouts during matches, are there any lasting progression elements?

Joe: We want players to feel their time is valued. This includes gaining experience, such as leveling up your Runner each season and improving character stats like stamina. There’s also a Black Market for purchasing upgrades using in-game currency, expanding your gear and abilities as you progress.

Tim: How is Bungie leveraging PS5 technology for Marathon?

Joe: Marathon will support haptic feedback for the DualSense controllers, creating an engaging tactile experience during gameplay. We’re also utilizing the Tempest 3D Audio engine for immersive sound and some cutting-edge rendering technologies to deliver stunning visuals, particularly on the PS5 and PS5 Pro.

Tim: The art style of Marathon is quite distinctive. What inspired its development?

Joe: Our aesthetic draws heavily from graphic design and modern product influences. There’s an alluring complexity to it, blending print-like boldness with sci-fi technology against organic backdrops. This visual contrast underscores the game’s themes of paranoia and mystery, enhancing the player’s experience.

Tim: What should the PlayStation community take away from this reveal?

Joe: Marathon offers something thrilling for players who love survival games and competitive environments. It’s designed to resonate across platforms, and I’m especially eager to welcome PlayStation gamers into our community. We’ve poured our hearts into this game and are excited for players to explore, have fun, and showcase their skills.

Get ready for September 23 as Marathon arrives on PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S.