Bungie Keeps Dodging the Real Question About Marathon

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Although Bungie has disclosed numerous details about Marathon, including gameplay demonstrations, alpha release dates, and technical specifications, they have yet to clarify one crucial aspect: exactly how much the game will cost. For months now, Bungie has been evasive on this topic, labeling Marathon as a “premium title” without revealing its price.

yes, it’s an expensive game, but no, it won’t cost as much as a typical store-bought title.

Inside the team, the pricing is still undergoing changes, as suggested by Assistant Game Director Del Chafe in a recent interview. However, he didn’t disclose any specific figures. Instead, he hinted that discussions about this and other related matters would take place, with many others contributing valuable insights to the decision-making process.

It’s not hard to guess what might be going on when a studio stays silent about pricing just before a release. Typically, there are additional details lurking in the background. This could mean they’re offering a lower initial cost but planning to make up for it with heavy monetization later. Or perhaps they’re relying on battle passes, cosmetic items, or the latest trends in live-service games as their revenue sources.

More contemporary Sony-published games such as Helldivers 2 and Concord were initially priced around $40 upon release. While Helldivers 2 garnered some success, Concord did not sustain its popularity, causing speculation about Marathon’s future trajectory. The comparisons between Marathon and those previous titles are becoming increasingly common, whether Bungie finds it favorable or not, and as time passes, more questions continue to arise.

The question at hand revolves around the true definition of a “moderate” price point. If Marathon enters the market priced between $30-$40, it could initially appear as a great value; however, this might suggest concerns about how Bungie intends to compensate for any potential revenue shortfall.

A hidden issue that needs addressing is the matter of monetization. Although Bungie hasn’t revealed their strategy yet, Chafe acknowledged the concern and stated, “We’re not prepared to discuss it at this time, but rest assured, once we are ready, we’ll disclose some insights into our ongoing discussions.

Bungie has a habit of waiting until the last minute to reveal things, and this is no different with their announcement of Marathon. The Destiny community vividly recalls how cosmetic prices escalated over time, so when Bungie calls Marathon “premium,” some fans aren’t just interpreting it as a cheaper price—they’re anticipating a future filled with microtransactions.

If clear limitations aren’t established, it’s hard to predict how extensive monetization could become in this instance. Despite mounting questions, Bungie appears unwilling or unable to offer any assurances. As the closed alpha commences shortly, players will have an opportunity to evaluate gameplay, but there’s no word on pricing—despite the fact that the game is due for launch within a few months.

I’m fine with spending money on a quality game, but I need clarity on its details. The price of Marathon remains uncertain until Bungie provides an official update. It’s not about debating the game’s value; it’s about understanding what specific features or elements Bungie is keeping under wraps.

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2025-04-22 07:13