Bungie’s highly anticipated PvP extraction shooter Marathon is starting to show signs of turbulence. A new report suggests the game might be facing a delay, as Sony has allegedly pulled the plug on all paid marketing efforts for the title—an uncommon move for a game of this scale. Coupled with recent controversies, the future of Marathon looks more uncertain than ever.
The trouble began when sharp-eyed fans noticed that some of Marathon’s promotional and in-game art bore a striking resemblance to the work of indie artist ANTIREAL. After public outcry, Bungie quickly issued an apology and committed to reviewing all visual assets. Still, the incident left a dent in the studio’s credibility and raised serious questions about the oversight within the project
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Now, things have taken another hit. Colin Moriarty, host of the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, revealed that a source familiar with Sony’s international marketing plans claimed the company has canceled all paid promotion for Marathon. According to Moriarty, this is considered a “fairly unusual” step for a game of this profile, especially one still scheduled for a major release.
Adding to the tension, early feedback from the game’s Closed Alpha has been anything but glowing. Players have reported mixed to negative impressions, with some expressing doubts about the game’s current state and overall direction. Between the controversy, lack of marketing, and lukewarm community response, pushing ahead with the planned September 23 launch could backfire.
As of now, Bungie and Sony have stayed silent, with no official word on whether the release date is changing or what the future holds for Marathon. Until we hear more, it’s wise to take these reports with a grain of salt—but it’s getting harder to ignore the signs pointing toward a delay.
