Marathon Pricing Clarified, Set for Premium Release This Fall

Marathon will launch as a premium title, not free-to-play. Discover details on its pricing strategy and the decision to exclude proximity chat.

Marathon Development Insights

Marathon Adopts Premium Model

Bungie, the developer behind Marathon, confirmed the game will be a premium title, dispelling free-to-play rumors. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, the team unveiled the release date and a new trailer, but kept pricing details under wraps, sparking fan curiosity about monetization plans.

On the April 14 episode of the Friends Per Second podcast, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified, "We’re crafting an exciting experience that we hope players will invest in. Our commitment includes delivering evolving seasons without raising the initial price."

Ziegler expressed confidence in the game’s appeal, noting, "Pricing varies by perspective, but we’re focused on making it exceptional."

Fan speculation on pricing has been active across social media, with many sharing predictions. Bungie addressed this in an April 13 X post, confirming Marathon won’t carry a full-price tag but will be a premium offering. Further pricing details are expected this summer.

No Proximity Chat in Marathon

Proximity chat, a common feature in multiplayer games, allows players to hear others based on in-game proximity, enhancing immersion. However, it can also foster toxicity, with players facing both friendly banter and hostile remarks.

Bungie opted against including proximity chat in Marathon. In a PC Gamer interview, Ziegler explained, "We’re not opposed to the concept of proximity chat, but ensuring a safe environment for players is a priority, and that’s a challenge with this feature."

Ziegler emphasized the team’s dedication to a safe gaming space, noting that no effective solution currently exists to mitigate toxicity from proximity chat. This choice limits interactions with opposing teams, particularly in an extraction shooter like Marathon.

While Bungie remains open to future solutions, Ziegler added, "If we could find a way to make it work safely, we’d consider it. For now, it’s a challenge many in the industry are tackling."

Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the game!