Bungie has reportedly locked in a fairly cheap $40 price tag for Marathon, which sounded really nice until everybody remembered that was how much Concord cost.
The Game Post has reported Bungie’s Marathon is likely to be priced at $40. In the current gaming space, that price could be a fairly sweet deal, but it’s starting to look much more like a red flag. When gamers see a live service title not at the industry standard $70, they’re starting to think about mega-flop Concord—and that’s not where the similarities end.
Marathon just so happens to be another multiplayer title made by industry veterans working under a company bought by Sony. The game will be an extraction shooter with a feature on its heroes that function as classes with unique abilities and playstyles.
Bungie’s new Marathon title has been described as similar to the tactical first-person shooter Escape from Tarkov. Reports state there are two playable maps: A planet “in an abandoned colony” and one on the Marathon ship, which may indicate callbacks to the game’s parent series.
Playtest feedback on the title has been mixed so far, described as “somewhat positive,” and another source has said the game is “worth the $40.” Even with some positivity, Bungie staff morale is reportedly suffering. That’s believable news, considering the way the company has been slammed by layoffs. Although Bungie has faced significant struggles, it has pressed onward. Former employees believe that the company’s changes are a stride in the right direction.
With its described traits, it’s easy to draw a line from Marathon to Concord, VALORANT, Overwatch, and the many other existing hero shooters. Some gamers may not be spooked yet, though. Bungie has a reputation for excellence, creating many of the most-loved Halo titles, and kicking off the Destiny franchise after that. Fans are looking forward to the next big games from Bungie, and the famed developer is trying its best to keep fans excited.
Still, some gamers are skeptical, saying, “Somewhat positive feedback and a $40 price tag could spell doom.” This isn’t necessarily a stretch. With Concord’s failure, PlayStation has shown players they’re not searching for a game that’s just good. Games like Deadlock are coming out in beta and shattering expectations. The competition is fierce. For the success of Bungie and to ensure its game has a future at all, Marathon has to be an undeniable hit.
So far, following in Concord‘s foosteps (even just with price) is the wrong move.
