Marathon F2P Rumors Debunked; Pricing Reveal Set for Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but a premium title. Dive into the details about Marathon's pricing and discover why the developers chose to exclude proximity chat.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

Marathon's Director has confirmed that the game will not follow the free-to-play model but will be a premium title. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, Bungie, the developers behind Marathon, unveiled the game's release date and showcased a new gameplay trailer. While the exact pricing remains under wraps, fans are eager to learn more about the game's monetization strategy.

In an enlightening episode of the Friends Per Second podcast aired on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's pricing model. He stated, "We’re hoping that what we’re showing is exciting enough that someone is going to take the leap with us, but we are also committed to delivering on seasons past this that will continuously offer to evolve the game without an increase to the box price."

Ziegler expressed confidence in the game's current state and the team's dedication to enhancing it further. He noted, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price." This sentiment has sparked discussions and speculation across social media platforms about Marathon's potential price range. However, Bungie took to Twitter (X) on April 13 to clarify that Marathon will be a premium title, not a full-priced one, with more detailed pricing information to be announced this summer.

Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat

Proximity chat, a feature that has become increasingly popular in multiplayer games, allows players to communicate based on their in-game proximity. This can significantly enhance the game's immersion and interactivity. However, it also brings the challenge of managing player interactions, which can sometimes turn toxic.

Bungie decided against including proximity chat in Marathon due to concerns about maintaining a safe gaming environment. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Joe Ziegler elaborated on this decision, stating, "When it comes to prox chat, I don't think we're against the experience of it, to be fair. I think the challenge is how to make sure we're creating a safe environment for players inside of that space."

Ziegler emphasized the team's commitment to player safety and admitted that they currently lack a solution to mitigate the toxicity often associated with proximity chat. This decision impacts gameplay, especially in an extraction shooter where negotiating with opposing teams could add a strategic layer to the experience.

Despite ongoing industry efforts to address these challenges, Ziegler concluded, "I think that's where we stand right now. Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out."

Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting title by checking out our related articles below!