Marathon F2P Rumors Denied, Pricing Reveal This Summer

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

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

Marathon's Director has officially confirmed that the game will not be free-to-play, but rather 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. Despite this, the price remains undisclosed, sparking curiosity among fans about its monetization strategy.

In the April 14 episode of the Friends Per Second podcast, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's pricing model, stating, "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 making it exceptional. He added, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price." Fans have been speculating 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. Further details on pricing are expected to be announced this summer.

Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat

In recent years, proximity chat has become a standard feature in many multiplayer games, allowing players to communicate based on their in-game proximity for a more immersive experience. However, this feature often leads to increased toxicity due to the unpredictable nature of online interactions.

Bungie decided against including proximity chat in Marathon to foster a safer gaming environment. In an interview with PC Gamer, Ziegler explained, "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, noting the lack of a satisfactory solution to the toxicity that proximity chat can introduce. While this decision may limit certain interactive elements, such as negotiating with opposing teams in an extraction shooter, Bungie remains focused on finding a better approach. 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. Keep an eye on our updates for the latest news on Marathon!