Twitch’s Top Streamer Backs Marathon Amid ARC Raiders Controversy

The extraction shooter Marathon is set to release soon, following an ongoing public test known as the Server Slam, which runs until March 2, 2026. Amid this anticipation, TheBurntPeanut, a prominent Twitch streamer known for his unique peanut persona, has come forward to support Marathon. Since beginning his streams of ARC Raiders in November 2025, he has gained significant attention and currently holds the title of the largest streamer in that game, attracting a peak viewer count of 93,000, according to streamcharts.com.

TheBurntPeanut Defends Marathon

TheBurntPeanut recently addressed a wave of criticism from his community regarding Marathon. In a clip shared by a user on X, he expressed frustration at the incessant negativity surrounding new games. He stated, “If we keep bashing new games, by the time you’re 90, you’ll only have Call of Duty 56 and Halo 72.” He implored gamers to give new titles a chance before dismissing them outright, humorously referencing a hypothetical Call of Duty 96.

Community Reactions

The response to Marathon has been mixed. On Reddit, some users labeled the Server Slam as “the most miserable open beta,” but emphasized that the negative sentiments might stem from the community rather than the game itself. Others echoed complaints about how Marathon has been received in various streamers’ chats, expressing a desire to play without the heavy negativity.

• Positive: Some players are eager to dive into Marathon.
• Negative: Others are distracted by toxic comments in chats.

A Reddit user named Gogobananatho noted their struggle to enjoy the game while being irritated by the chat. MeinMMO editor Dariusz opinions that Marathon caters perfectly to those who enjoy PvP elements found in ARC Raiders but receives backlash from fans of PvE gameplay.

Gameplay Concerns

As the release date approaches, several players have voiced concerns about Marathon’s user interface. Many believe that essential features are buried within multiple menus, complicating the gameplay experience. Although there are valid critiques, the community believes that constructive feedback could help improve the game, rather than resorting to negativity.

Marathon is positioned as a new competitor to ARC Raiders, aiming to capture a similar audience. The ongoing discussions among players highlight the anticipation surrounding its release and the feelings of frustration that often accompany new game launches.

With just a few days left until the official launch on March 5, players are hopeful for improvements based on community feedback. How will Marathon fare in the competitive shooter landscape? Time will tell.