Marathon: The Game That's Creating Buzz Before It Even Launches

A leak has revealed some exciting news about Bungie's upcoming game, Marathon. It looks like the game will hit stores on March 5, 2026. This date was accidentally shared in a trailer that went live on Xbox for a short time. The trailer was quickly taken down, but not before it spread across social media. Bungie's efforts to remove the trailer suggest that the leak was real, not just some AI-generated fake. The official announcement and preorders for the game are expected to go live soon. The game will cost $40, and preorders will start about a month and a half before the release date. This launch is part of a bigger marketing push for Marathon, which was delayed from last fall. Despite some setbacks, the game has been gaining traction with recent gameplay clips and a well-received video about its character classes.One of the biggest challenges for Marathon will be its free open beta. This beta is expected to happen toward the end of February, giving players a taste of the game before the official launch. The beta will be a crucial test of player interest, especially since it's free. In the past, similar games like ARC Raiders have seen a surge in popularity after their free trials, but this isn't always the case. Marathon is a significant project for Bungie, having been in development for at least five years. The game has faced several hurdles, including a change in leadership and a plagiarism scandal. However, the recent marketing efforts have been more successful, and the game seems to be building momentum. The question remains whether Marathon can stand out in a crowded market, especially with competitors like ARC Raiders. The March 5 release date fits within Sony's promised Q4 release window. The game will be available on PS5, PC, and Xbox, thanks to Bungie's deal for true cross-platform play. This means players on any of these platforms can enjoy Marathon together.