Marathon F2P Rumors Debunked; Pricing Reveal Set for Summer

Marathon will not be a free-to-play game but a premium title. Dive into the details on Marathon's pricing strategy and the reasons behind the exclusion of proximity chat.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

Marathon Director has confirmed that the game will not follow the free-to-play model, opting instead for a premium pricing structure. During a live gameplay showcase on April 13, Bungie, the developers behind Marathon, unveiled the game's release date and presented a fresh gameplay trailer. However, the exact price remains under wraps, leaving fans eager to understand the game's monetization strategy.

In a revealing episode of the Friends Per Second podcast on April 14, Marathon Director Joe Ziegler clarified the game's pricing approach. "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," he stated.

Ziegler expressed confidence in the game's current state and the team's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience. "Everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price," he remarked, acknowledging the subjective nature of pricing.

Speculation about Marathon's price range has been rife on social media, with fans sharing their predictions. Bungie addressed these rumors on Twitter (X) on April 13, confirming that Marathon will be a premium title, not a full-priced one. They promised to unveil more pricing details 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 a staple in many multiplayer games, enhancing immersion and interaction. However, it also introduces the risk of toxic behavior, which can detract from the gaming experience.

Bungie has decided against including proximity chat in Marathon, citing concerns over player safety and toxicity. In an interview with PC Gamer, Joe Ziegler explained the 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 emphasized the team's commitment to fostering a safe gaming environment, noting that they currently lack a solution to mitigate the negative aspects of proximity chat. While this decision may limit some interactive elements, such as negotiating with opposing teams in an extraction shooter, Bungie remains focused on player well-being.

"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 concluded.

Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting title by checking out our related articles below!