Sony Acknowledges Mixed Feedback on Marathon, Promises Improvements

Sony has acknowledged the mixed feedback from the alpha test of its upcoming live service shooter, Marathon, while committing to its release by the end of March 2026. Following the failure of Concord, a live service hero shooter that flopped after just two weeks, Sony is taking steps to ensure Marathon does not face the same fate. CEO Hermen Hulst stated that the company has implemented more rigorous validation processes during development to improve the game's chances of success. Despite the challenges faced, such as unaddressed plagiarism allegations against the artwork, Sony aims to create an innovative experience with Marathon, drawing on lessons learned from previous failures in the live service game market.

Sony has learned the importance of thorough validation in creative and commercial processes to avoid the issues encountered with Concord, which failed to stand out in a competitive market. They are focusing on continuous testing and feedback to enhance player engagement and satisfaction for Marathon's launch.

Marathon is a highly anticipated title from Bungie, marking their first new project in over a decade. Known for their work on the Destiny franchise, Bungie aims to deliver an engaging gameplay experience through Marathon’s innovative features, following their successful live service model. Given the studio's reputation and past successes, the gaming community is keenly watching how they apply the lessons learned from earlier missteps as they approach the game's launch.