Bungie Requests Marathon Review Delays Amid Release with Under 100K Steam Players

Bungie’s recent request for a delay in reviews for its game Marathon has stirred up conversation within the gaming community. The company has urged media outlets to postpone their evaluations until the title has more content available, resulting in blank Metacritic scores and uncertainty among potential buyers. This request has raised eyebrows, especially given the game’s modest player count on Steam.

Bungie’s Request for Marathon Review Delays

The delay in reviews for Marathon, an extraction shooter launched on March 5, has led to speculation about the game’s performance. Bungie communicated with reviewers, asking them to hold off on their opinions until more features are added later in March. This approach leaves potential players without guidance on whether to purchase the game.

Player Count and Performance Insights

• The peak player count for Marathon was under 87,000 on its release date.
• Currently, it ranks outside the top 10 most-played games on Steam.
• In contrast, another indie title, Slay the Spire 2, reached over 177,000 players.
• During a server test, Marathon had a peak count of 143,300 players, which declined after the playtest.

With a price tag of $39.99, potential players are hesitant, particularly as early Steam reviews indicate a positive reception with an 84% rating. Players praise the smooth gameplay reminiscent of Bungie’s previous titles like Destiny 2, though frustrations concerning an overloaded user interface have been noted.

Community Reaction and Future Updates

The request for delayed reviews has led to mixed feelings among gamers. Many believe that critics should provide their final judgments on a game after its purchase. However, some argue that the live-service model allows for significant improvements post-launch. Season 1 for Marathon is already in progress, and players can expect updates that will enhance their experience.

Upcoming features include an endgame zone map and a ranked mode, which aims to bolster competitive multiplayer options later in March. As players see the game evolve, reviews may dramatically shift the current narrative surrounding Marathon.