Rumors of *Marathon* launching as a free-to-play title have officially been dispelled. The game will instead be released as a premium experience, according to the latest statements from Bungie and Marathon Director Joe Ziegler. While exact pricing details are still under wraps, fans can expect more clarity this summer. Read on for the full breakdown of the game’s monetization approach and the decision to exclude proximity chat.

Marathon Development Updates

Marathon Will Not Be Free-To-Play

During a live gameplay showcase held by Bungie on April 13, the developer confirmed that *Marathon* will not follow a free-to-play model. Instead, it will launch as a premium title, offering players a core experience they pay for upfront—with ongoing content updates promised post-launch. In an episode of the Friends Per Second podcast the following day, Joe Ziegler reiterated this point, stating that the team is confident in the value of the game and its long-term vision.

“We’re hoping that what we’re showing is exciting enough that someone is going to take the leap with us, but we are also committed to delivering on seasons past this that will continuously offer to evolve the game without an increase to the box price.”

Ziegler expressed confidence in the current state of the game, emphasizing that the development team is focused on making *Marathon* a polished and engaging experience. While no official price has been announced yet, he acknowledged that “everyone’s got their own definition of what is the right price.” Fans have taken to social media to speculate about the final cost based on available hints and comparisons with similar titles.

Bungie also clarified on X (formerly Twitter) during the showcase that *Marathon* would not carry a traditional full-game price tag, but rather fall into the premium category—offering substantial value while remaining accessible. More information regarding the exact cost will be revealed later this summer.

Marathon Will Not Have Proximity Chat

Proximity chat has become a popular feature in many modern multiplayer games, allowing players to hear nearby teammates or opponents in real-time. While it adds a layer of immersion, it also opens the door to toxicity and unsportsmanlike behavior—an issue that weighed heavily on Bungie’s decision-making process.

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Joe Ziegler explained why the team decided against including proximity chat at launch:

“When it comes to prox chat, I don't think we're against the experience of it, to be fair. I think the challenge is how to make sure we're creating a safe environment for players inside of that space.”

The team remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive gaming community. At this time, they do not have a viable solution to mitigate the negative aspects of proximity chat, such as harassment or disruptive language. While removing the feature may limit some tactical communication opportunities—especially relevant in an extraction-based shooter like *Marathon*—it was ultimately deemed the safer choice for now.

Ziegler noted that if a secure and effective system were developed in the future, Bungie wouldn’t rule out adding proximity chat down the line. But for now, the focus remains on ensuring player safety and positive interactions within the game.

“I think that's where we stand right now. Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out.”

*Marathon* is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. Stay tuned for more updates as Bungie prepares to reveal additional details about the game’s pricing, features, and content roadmap later this year.