Marathon F2P Rumors Dispelled, Pricing To Be Announced This Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will be a premium title. Dive in to discover more about Marathon's pricing and the developers' decision to exclude proximity chat.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

Marathon's Director has confirmed that the game will not be free-to-play but will instead be a premium title. Bungie, the developer behind Marathon, showcased live gameplay on April 13, unveiling the game's release date and a new trailer. While the price remains undisclosed, fans are eager to understand the game's monetization strategy.

In an episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified, "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 its excellence, stating, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price." Fans have speculated on social media about Marathon's potential price range, but Bungie clarified via a Twitter (X) post on April 13 that Marathon will be a premium title, not a full-priced one. More details on pricing are expected to be announced this summer.

Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat

Proximity chat, a feature allowing players to communicate based on their in-game proximity, has become popular in multiplayer games for its immersive quality. However, it often leads to toxicity due to the mix of players online. This concern led Bungie to omit proximity chat from Marathon. In an interview with PC Gamer, Ziegler explained the decision, "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 fostering a safe gaming environment, noting the absence of a viable solution to the toxicity associated with proximity chat. This omission may affect player interactions, particularly in an extraction shooter where negotiation and communication can be key. Ziegler added, "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, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on the game by checking out our related articles below!