Marathon Avoids Helldivers 2’s Biggest Mistake

Bungie's Marathon is shaping up to be more than just a slick extraction shooter; it's also a lesson in learning from others' mistakes. While Helldivers 2 stumbled face-first into the PSN login requirement quicksand, Marathon has wisely sidestepped the drama, confirming that no PlayStation Network account will be needed to play on PC or Xbox.

Learning from the Helldivers 2 Debacle

Remember the uproar when Helldivers 2 announced mandatory PSN linking for PC players? It was a PR nightmare, especially for fans in regions where PSN access is a pipedream. Arrowhead eventually backpedaled, but the damage was done, with the CEO calling the situation a career low point.

Bungie, however, took notes. The official Marathon team declared on Discord:

"Marathon will not require a PlayStation Account for players on PC and Xbox."

Simple, elegant, and a huge win for accessibility. And after a long period of radio silence following its May 2023 reveal, Marathon is finally ready to show off its goods.  A closed alpha test kicks off on April 23rd, giving a lucky few the chance to experience Marathon's extraction-based combat firsthand.

Everything You Need to Know About Marathon

• Genre: A multiplayer extraction shooter that reimagines Bungie's classic sci-fi franchise. Teams of three "Runners" delve into the treacherous depths of Tau Ceti IV, vying for loot and a safe extraction.

• Launch Date: September 23rd on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

• Business Model: Forget free-to-play rumors. Marathon is a paid title, though the exact price remains under wraps.

• Cross-Play & Cross-Save: Seamlessly supported across all platforms from day one.

• Content at Launch: Six playable characters and three maps will be available at launch, with a fourth "raid-like" map set on the UESC Marathon ship arriving shortly after.

• Seasonal Rhythms: Prepare for seasonal resets every three months, refreshing vaults and faction progress to keep the gameplay loop engaging and the world evolving.

Destiny's DNA, a New Breed of Shooter

Marathon inherits Bungie's signature fluid gunplay, honed through franchises like Halo and Destiny, but applies it to the increasingly popular extraction shooter formula. Early impressions praise the "elegant, refined" shooting mechanics, though some caution that the hardcore PvPvE focus might not appeal to everyone.

Ultimately, Marathon is aiming for a delicate balance: the adrenaline rush of top-tier shooting combined with the strategic tension of risk-reward gameplay. And by skipping the PSN login requirement, Bungie is ensuring that everyone, regardless of platform, can join the race. Now that's a smart move.