Marathon’s future includes duo queues, more PvE modes and better onboarding

Bungie has confirmed plans to introduce new features to its shooter game Marathon, including duo queues, additional PvE modes, and improved onboarding, aiming to address current player experience issues and boost engagement.

In a detailed blog post from Game Director Joe Ziegler, Bungie outlined its strategy to evolve Marathon into a more accessible and enjoyable experience. The studio plans to add two experimental game modes in Season 2, focusing on PvE content with minimal PvP elements, and environmental threats that require cooperative play. Additionally, Bungie will implement a rotating duo zone queue to allow players to team up with one friend without facing larger squads. The company also aims to improve onboarding in Season 3, making the game less overwhelming for new players.

Beyond these features, Bungie is developing new content that emphasizes the game’s sci-fi setting, including a zone with more alien elements and mind-warping effects. A new exfil mechanic will introduce a risk-reward system for loot extraction, and Bungie intends to expand on the game’s environmental mysteries and lore through new Codex entries and hidden secrets. While some updates will arrive in Season 2, others will take longer, with Bungie maintaining a development roadmap extending into 2027.

Why It Matters

This development matters because it signals Bungie’s commitment to improving Marathon amid declining player numbers and financial challenges. The planned features aim to make the game more welcoming for new players and more engaging for existing ones, potentially stabilizing its player base and long-term viability. The emphasis on cooperative PvE modes and better onboarding could also influence player retention and community growth, critical factors for the game’s success.

Background

Since Marathon’s release on March 5, player discourse has been largely negative, citing difficulty and lack of accessible content. Bungie has remained relatively silent about future plans until now, when it published a comprehensive blog from Joe Ziegler. The studio acknowledged current shortcomings, such as overwhelming mechanics and matchmaking issues, and outlined a strategic plan to address them. Despite financial setbacks, including a $560 million impairment charge from Sony, Bungie remains committed to supporting Marathon, with ongoing updates planned through 2027.

“We want to evolve Marathon as a whole to be an experience where you can find more novel ways to play when you’re stressed out from a nail-biting run and just need to cool off or have fun without the stress.”

— Joe Ziegler, Bungie Game Director

“In Season 2, we will introduce two new experimental game modes, focusing on PvE with a light touch of PvP, and cooperative environmental threats.”

— Joe Ziegler, Bungie Game Director

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how players will respond to these changes or how effective they will be in reversing declining engagement. Specific details about the new game modes and onboarding improvements are still emerging, and the timeline for some features remains uncertain.

What’s Next

The first of these updates will arrive with Season 2 on June 2, 2024, including the new game modes and matchmaking features. Bungie has committed to ongoing development, with further updates and content planned through 2027 as part of its long-term roadmap.

Key Questions

What new features will be added to Marathon?

Bungie plans to introduce duo queues, two new PvE-focused game modes, an improved onboarding process, a new alien-themed zone, and a new exfil mechanic for loot management.

When will these updates be available?

The initial updates are scheduled for Season 2, starting June 2, 2024, with ongoing enhancements into 2027 as part of Bungie’s development plan.

How might these changes impact the game’s future?

These updates aim to make Marathon more accessible, engaging, and less stressful, potentially increasing player retention and attracting new players, which could improve the game’s long-term viability.