Sony reportedly pulled out support for marketing Bungie’s latest project, Marathon, after controversy hit in late May 2025. Concerns like the mixed reception for the alpha release and accusations of plagiarism hurt public relations (PR). News spread like wildfire, hurting Marathon’s prospects for a successful launch in 2025. 

Bungie investigates plagiarism claim 

User @4nt1r34l (read as ‘Antirealâ€? posted on X (formerly Twitter) about discovering her works had been directly lifted and used in Marathon’s alpha build. Assets included were fonts, decals, and even the artist’s professional logo were used in-game. Bungie responded through official channels, confirming that a former Bungie artist had included the assets in a texture sheet. 

This oversight slipped past quality assurance and was ultimately used in-game. The company has initiated a thorough review of all in-game assets and has reached out to Antireal to address the issue.

Development team morale in an all-time low

Bungie is in a slump with regard to the future of Marathon, their supposedly next big live service project. It was already met with mixed reactions among gamers, and now with PR concerns after plagiarism claims. Sony has now halted all paid marketing support moving forward.

While Marathon is currently slated for a September 2025 release, the controversies have led to speculation about a potential delay. 

See more esports updates right here

Renowned AAA game developer, Bungie, unveils a new multiplayer game titled ‘Marathon� It aims to revive an old genre: the ‘extraction shooter� Gamers can sign up now for a chance to join the game’s closed alpha on 23 April, but certain media outlets and creators have already been given access. 

Marathon offers an esport-ready gameplay loop

Marathon centres on three-person squads deployed onto a map, where they compete to complete objectives or disrupt one another’s progress. It shares a strong resemblance to Apex Legends, especially in its movement mechanics wherein players use to navigate the terrain. 

The game also borrows elements from Call of Duty and Rainbow Six Siege, such as the loadout system. It lets you deploy with your squad, equipped with gear and tools that suit your playstyle. You also get tiered loot, like in Apex Legends, to upgrade your character, making you more effective in combat as the match progresses. 

The key distinction is that killing is not the main goal. Marathon is an extraction shooter, and it revolves around reaching a target and leaving the map with it to win. 

Marathon aims to challenge Escape from Tarkov

Bungie has made it clear that Marathon will be an extraction shooter, so it is entering a niche esports market. Currently, Escape from Tarkov is the only game with a thriving esports scene in this genre, but Marathon could eventually compete in this space. With Bungie behind its development, it has a strong potential to reach greater heights. 

See more esports updates right here