The whispers are growing louder Bungie may be preparing to unveil more details about its upcoming Marathon reboot as early as next week. For fans of classic FPS games, this is big news. The original Marathon trilogy, released between 1994 and 1996, holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up with its intense gunplay, rich lore, and surprisingly deep sci-fi storytelling.
Now, nearly three decades later, it seems the franchise is coming back and not just as a nostalgic remaster, but as a completely new live service FPS, built from the ground up for modern systems. If the rumors are true, we could be looking at one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.
What We Know So Far
While Bungie hasn’t officially dropped a full gameplay trailer or concrete release date, several leaks and insider reports suggest that the new Marathon game will:
Feature live service elements, including ongoing updates, seasons, and multiplayer focus.
Be priced at $40, a step below AAA titles, possibly to support microtransactions or battle passes.
Retain some core themes from the original trilogy, but reimagine them in a completely different gameplay structure.
The expected release window is sometime in 2026, giving Bungie time to refine the experience and build the hype. But if a reveal truly is coming next week, fans won’t have to wait long to get their first real glimpse.
A Legacy Reborn
The original Marathon series was a pioneer in many ways. It introduced FPS fans to dual-wielding weapons, secondary fire modes, rich environmental storytelling, and even early forms of networked multiplayer on Mac computers long before Halo made Bungie a household name.
For many, Marathon was their first taste of complex sci-fi narratives within a shooter format. The game was known for its deep lore, conveyed through hidden terminals and cryptic messages. It rewarded curiosity, and its community thrived on fan theories and exploration.
Bringing Marathon back means more than just reviving an old name it means resurrecting a mindset: story-driven, intelligent FPS gameplay with depth and ambition.
Modern Gameplay, Classic Soul
The upcoming reboot won’t be a 1:1 remake far from it. This is expected to be a PvP-focused extraction shooter, placing it in the same family as games like Escape from Tarkov or The Division: Dark Zone. That might sound like a departure from the original, but Bungie is reportedly committed to retaining the tone, atmosphere, and sci-fi depth that made Marathon special.
It’s not just about shooting and looting it’s about building a living world where every match contributes to a broader story and player-driven ecosystem. That kind of ambition fits well with Bungie’s current live-service expertise, thanks to years of refining Destiny 2.
The big question will be how they balance accessibility with depth, and whether the Marathon reboot can stand out in a crowded market of online shooters.
A Game for Old-School Fans and New-Gen Players
This new version of Marathon has the potential to bridge generations. For older players, it’s a chance to revisit a beloved universe. For newer FPS fans, it could be a gateway to Bungie’s rich storytelling and world-building especially those who may have only known Bungie through Destiny or Halo.
Interestingly, we’re also seeing a rise in interest for classic, skill-based games in other formats. Even in the browser game world, titles like those listed on io games list show that there’s still demand for competitive, easy-to-learn-but-hard-to-master gameplay. In that way, Marathon feels like a full-circle moment: a return to smart shooting, tactical thinking, and meaningful choices just on a much bigger scale.
What We Hope to See in the Reveal
If the rumored reveal does happen next week, here are a few things we’re hoping Bungie showcases:
Gameplay footage – We want to see how Marathon looks and feels in action.
World-building teasers – What is the new setting? Who are the enemies? What's the lore?
Live service roadmap – What kind of seasonal content can we expect? How will story progression work?
Customization and progression – Will there be classes, builds, or deep weapon mods?
With live service games, the launch is just the beginning so clarity and transparency will be key.
Don’t Sleep on Marathon
There’s a lot riding on the success of the new Marathon. It’s more than a remake; it’s a reimagining of a beloved franchise. Bungie has the talent and the resources and, most importantly, the legacy to pull this off. If they can deliver a shooter that respects the old while blazing a new trail, they could redefine what live service FPS games are capable of.
So whether you're a veteran who still remembers deciphering Marathon's terminal messages, or a newcomer looking for your next big sci-fi obsession, this is one to watch closely.
And with a possible reveal just around the corner, the wait might be almost over.