Sony’s Chief Financial Officer has confirmed that Marathon is set to be released by the end of March 2026, as Bungie’s independence from PlayStation Studios is gradually diminishing.
This announcement was made by CFO Lin Tao during a Q&A session following Sony’s recent financial report. She mentioned that the launch is still on track to happen within the current fiscal year, ending on March 31, 2026. However, she clarified that this is not a definitive commitment, as no official announcement has been made yet.
Tao also mentioned, “We are currently making adjustments in the development process, and based on our progress, we anticipate being able to announce the launch window for Marathon in the autumn. This communication may come from either Bungie or PlayStation.”
There has been speculation surrounding Bungie’s autonomy and operational independence from PlayStation Studios. The company faced challenges in 2024, including layoffs and game cancellations, as well as the formation of separate studios.
Tao outlined Sony’s strategic vision for Bungie, stating that “initially, we provided Bungie with a high level of independence upon acquisition. However, with the structural changes we implemented last year, their autonomy is gradually being integrated into PlayStation Studios.”
“The ultimate goal is for Bungie to become an integral part of PlayStation Studios,” she added.
Bungie has faced difficulties with Destiny 2’s recent expansion, The Edge of Fate, receiving mixed reviews from both players and critics. Marathon was meant to be a flagship release for the studio, but the reimagining of their classic FPS series has faced challenges. Following negative feedback during closed testing, the game’s release was postponed, and an art plagiarism controversy emerged.
In a Marathon Development Update in June, the team acknowledged the feedback from the community, stating, “We have listened to your feedback and realize that we need more time to deliver a game that truly resonates with your enthusiasm.”
Bungie is expected to provide further updates on Marathon later this year.
via VGC
