Marathon F2P Rumors Debunked; Pricing Reveal Set for Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will instead be a premium title. In this article, you'll discover more about Marathon's pricing strategy and the reasons behind 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 follow the free-to-play model but will instead be released as a premium title. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, Bungie, the game's developer, unveiled the release date and showcased a new gameplay trailer. However, the price of the game remains undisclosed, leaving fans eager to learn how it will be monetized.

In an insightful episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler elaborated on the game's monetization 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 commitment to enhancing it further. He noted, "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price." Speculation about Marathon's price has been rampant on social media, with fans sharing various predictions. However, Bungie clarified via a Twitter (X) post on April 13 that Marathon will not be a full-priced title but a premium one, with more detailed pricing information to be announced this summer.

Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat

Proximity chat, a feature that has become popular in many multiplayer games, allows players to communicate based on their in-game proximity, enhancing the interactivity and immersion of the gaming experience. However, this feature can also lead to toxic interactions among players.

Bungie has decided against including proximity chat in Marathon to maintain a safe gaming environment. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Ziegler explained the reasoning behind this 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 highlighted the team's dedication to player safety and the ongoing challenge of managing 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 has yet to find a solution that balances these dynamics effectively. 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 scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest developments by checking out our related articles below!