Marathon F2P Rumors Debunked; Pricing Reveal Set for Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will be a premium title. Dive into the details below to discover more about Marathon’s pricing strategy and the decision to exclude proximity chat.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

Marathon Director has officially confirmed that the game will not follow the free-to-play model but will instead 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 price remains undisclosed, fans are eager to understand the game's monetization approach.

In an insightful episode of the Friends Per Second podcast aired on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's pricing strategy. 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 its quality. "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price," he remarked. Fans have been actively speculating on Marathon's price range across social media platforms. Bungie addressed these speculations in a Twitter (X) post on April 13, clarifying 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 allows players to hear each other based on in-game proximity, has become increasingly popular in multiplayer games. It offers a more immersive experience but can also introduce toxicity due to the nature of online interactions. This concern has led Bungie to exclude proximity chat from Marathon.

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Joe Ziegler explained the 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 highlighted the team’s commitment to fostering a safe gaming environment and acknowledged the current lack of a solution to mitigate the toxicity that proximity chat can bring. This decision impacts the potential for strategic in-game communication, particularly in an extraction shooter like Marathon. However, Bungie is still exploring potential solutions, as Ziegler noted, "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 by checking out our related articles below!