Bungie Admits Problems with Marathon: 'Too Repetitive and Stressful'

Bungie has published a detailed update on Steam to take stock of the evolution of Marathon, almost three months after the launch of its first season. The studio describes this initial phase as the first step of a project intended to develop over multiple seasons, with the support of a community that is already considered very engaged.

According to the developers, the plan is to gradually expand the game, addressing both the problems highlighted by players and the core elements of the survival experience. The goal is to transform Marathon into a more satisfying and better-balanced title, without altering its competitive identity.

Among the aspects that require priority interventions, Bungie cites the need to reduce feelings of excessive repetitiveness and to make progress more rewarding. Improvements are expected in matchmaking, the interface, the endgame meta, and the experience for players tackling matches solo or in pairs.

Bungie acknowledges the critical issues of Marathon. The studio admits that new users may feel overwhelmed by tutorials, complex systems, loot management, and the constant pressure of PvP. Those with little time or without a fixed group face even greater difficulties, risking getting stuck in an unsatisfying initial phase.

Bungie also emphasizes that the current endgame suffers from an excess of grenades, sniper rifles, and defensive abilities, elements that make confrontations confusing and stressful. The developers also recognize that not everyone wants to engage in highly competitive sessions all the time, and that there is a need for modes with a more relaxed pace.

To address these issues, Season 2 will introduce several new features. Among those already confirmed are the return of Duo matches through rotating queues, an increase in available space in the Vault, and faster progression for factions and Runner levels. In the meantime, it is worth noting that Sony had to severely write down the acquisition of Bungie after the failure of Marathon.