Bungie’s reboot of Marathon has been at the center of controversy for months now. First came the accusations of stolen artwork, after a digital artist who had seen the alpha gameplay footage claimed his creations had been directly copied to shape the game’s visual identity, something players recognized during their hands-on experience.

The alpha playtests and early feedback revealed several gameplay issues and contributed to Bungie’s decision to delay the title, shifting its release from the original September 2025 date to an undefined window.

Bungie delays the game’s release

The early tests painted a mixed picture. While some players praised the visuals and acknowledged Bungie’s legacy in FPS mechanics, the overall feedback fell short of expectations. The studio addressed this in an official statement: “We’ve taken this to heart, and we know we need more time to craft Marathon into the game that truly reflects your passion.” It was a clear sign that something wasn’t working.

Although Sony has reassured investors that Marathon is still expected to launch by the end of the current fiscal year (March 2026), Bungie hasn’t provided a new release date. The marketing campaign is on hold, and upcoming beta tests will be closed. The studio is reportedly focusing entirely on internal development. The following major updates are expected this fall.

The controversial artistic direction

Regarding the art theft controversy, everything began when Scottish digital artist Fern Hook, known online as Antireal, publicly accused Bungie of using her work without permission in the alpha build of Marathon.

It wasn’t an isolated incident. Bungie has faced fan criticism in the past regarding creative attribution, although no public record links the studio to prior disputes involving Hasbro or fan-made designs.

The community reacted strongly, criticizing the behavior as unacceptable for a studio of Bungie’s size. Many questioned the sincerity of the company’s claim that the team had been unaware of the unauthorized use. Some also saw the official response, which cited internal policy and distanced the broader team from the individual responsible, as a way to shift blame. The situation appeared to be resolved when Antireal stated on social media that the issue had been settled to their satisfaction. However, Bungie did not issue a public statement confirming any formal agreement. Still, the incident added further pressure to an already fragile production pipeline and contributed to the decision to delay the game.

What reviewers didn’t like about the gameplay?

Marathon positions itself as a sci-fi extraction shooter built around class-based characters and inspired by the gunplay of previous Bungie titles like Destiny. The alpha showcased strong core mechanics, but also highlighted several areas of concern.

Testers noted that the enemy AI requires refinement to create more challenging encounters and promote a strategic gameplay style. Both solo and duo co-op modes were criticized for poor pacing and an imbalance of gameplay. Players also suggested quality-of-life improvements, such as proximity chat and additional in-match objectives.

While the concept shows promise, the execution remains rough around the edges. The hybrid nature of Marathon could take a unique space in the multiplayer landscape, but only if Bungie prioritizes balance and polish moving forward.

What we know about the Marathon story

One of the few fully revealed elements is the game’s central narrative theme: the transfer of consciousness, until nothing of the original self remains. According to rumors, players take on the role of cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners, exploring a lost colony on Tau Ceti IV. Through extraction missions, players will face rival Runners, corporate factions, and rogue AI systems.
Though not a direct remake, Marathon shares its universe with the original 1990s trilogy. It revisits classic themes, transhumanism, rogue AI, and existential decay, using environmental storytelling instead of traditional cutscenes.

What to expect from the game

Given the delays, gameplay criticism, and internal tensions, Marathon risks becoming yet another ambitious project declared dead before launch. Yet for now, partly due to the game’s late development start, it remains on track.

Sony continues to express confidence in a release by the end of the financial year, but Bungie’s silence and cautious messaging suggest a team under significant pressure. If handled well, Marathon could evolve into a unique and compelling experience, blending rich sci-fi worldbuilding with fast-paced, class-based gameplay.

Still, Bungie must rebuild fan trust and communicate more transparently, especially with a significant update confirmed for fall 2025. Whether this will mark a turning point or go the way of PlayStation’s Concord remains to be seen.