Bungie, the renowned developers of Halo and Destiny, have finally revealed the release date of their long-awaited Marathon shooter: September 23rd. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC, with full cross-play and cross-save capabilities. Ahead of its launch, a closed alpha test is scheduled to take place later this month, giving fans a chance to experience the game's PvPvE gameplay and sci-fi universe.

Marathon is set in the year 2850, in the remains of Tau Ceti IV, a lost colony whose inhabitants mysteriously vanished. Players take on the role of Runners, biosynthetic beings with unique abilities and stats, hired by rival factions to scavenge for resources. The game features a variety of zones and points of interest, where players can engage in intense PvPvE combat with up to 18 players, divided into six teams.

In addition to rival Runners, players will also face security forces and creatures that roam the world, adding an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay. Before each run, players can build a loadout and select a Runner that fits their playstyle, with four options available in the alpha test and six at launch. The Runners include Void, a stealthy character with invisibility abilities, Glitch, a fast-paced runner with glitching capabilities, Locus, a shield-wielding runner, and Blackbird, designed for recon and scanning.

The game's maps are filled with vibrant artwork, and players can scavenge for weapons, materials, and equipment to upgrade their loadouts. If a player dies, they'll drop their gear, but if they survive, their loot will carry over to future runs, allowing them to level up and acquire more powerful gear. Teammates can also revive fallen players, adding a cooperative element to the game.

Bungie has published a nearly 20-minute video showcasing highlights from 40 creators who recently got to try the game. The studio has also produced an original short cinematic set in the Marathon universe, written and directed by Alberto Mielgo (Love, Death, and Robots). The cinematic is expected to be thoroughly analyzed by fans for clues about the game's universe.

Marathon enters a crowded market of shooters and live-service games, where recent titles like Concord and Spectre Divide have failed to gain traction. The pressure is on Bungie to deliver a game that stands out from the competition and tempts players away from established franchises like Call of Duty and Fortnite. The alpha test will be a crucial opportunity for the studio to demonstrate Marathon's unique features and gameplay.

One question remains unanswered: how much will Marathon cost? While it's not a free-to-play game, Bungie hasn't revealed the pricing structure yet. The studio's previous game, Destiny 2, has a complex payment model, with some content requiring payment for access. Fans are hoping for a clearer pricing structure for Marathon.

Players can sign up for the Marathon closed alpha test on Bungie's website or on Discord. With its release date set for September 23rd, Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the year.