Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but will be a premium title. Read on to learn more about Marathon’s pricing and why the developers opted not to include proximity chat.
Marathon Development Updates
Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play
Marathon, developed by Bungie, is set to be a premium title rather than a free-to-play game. This was confirmed by Marathon Director during a live gameplay showcase on April 13, where the game's release date was also announced alongside a new gameplay trailer. While the exact pricing remains under wraps, Bungie has promised to reveal more details this summer.
In an episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler elaborated on the decision, saying, "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 the player experience. "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price," he added.
Fan speculation about the game's price has been rampant on social media, 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 this summer.
Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat
Proximity chat, a feature that allows players to communicate based on their in-game proximity, has become increasingly popular in multiplayer games. However, it also introduces the risk of toxicity, which can detract from the gaming experience. This was a significant factor in Bungie's decision to exclude proximity chat from Marathon.
In an interview with PC Gamer, Joe Ziegler explained the team's stance: "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." He emphasized the team's commitment to fostering a safe gaming environment but acknowledged the difficulty in managing the potential toxicity that proximity chat can bring.
While the absence of proximity chat may limit interactions with opposing teams, Bungie remains focused on finding a solution that balances engagement with player safety. "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," Ziegler noted.
Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our article below!
