Marathon Release Date Confirmed for 2026 Amid Bungie Studio Shakeup

The long-awaited return of Bungie’s Marathon finally has clarity. Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed the extraction shooter will launch by March 2026, ending months of uncertainty fueled by a plagiarism scandal. The announcement came alongside hints that Bungie is losing its cherished independence, signaling a major shift for the storied studio under PlayStation’s umbrella.

When Will Marathon Release on PS5?

Sony CFO Lin Tao revealed during a recent investor call that Marathon remains on track for release within Sony’s current fiscal year, ending March 2026. While avoiding a precise date, Tao indicated an official launch date would likely surface around October or November 2025. This follows the game’s indefinite delay from its original September 2025 target after a plagiarism crisis forced Bungie back to the drawing board.

“We are now fixing the problems. So we believe this launch will happen,” Tao stated, adding, “If this launch is canceled, we need to revise the game’s valuation. However, as of now, this is not expected.” The reassurance offers relief to fans awaiting Bungie’s modern reboot of its 1990s sci-fi franchise as a PvP-focused extraction title. Development continues targeting PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

How Did the Plagiarism Scandal Impact Marathon?

In May 2025, an independent artist publicly accused Bungie of using their artwork in Marathon promotional materials without permission or credit. Bungie acknowledged the violation, attributing it to a former employee who improperly included the art in internal documents. The controversy forced PlayStation to issue a public delay notice just four months before the planned launch.

This scandal compounded existing pressure on Bungie, which faced scrutiny over Destiny 2’s underperformance and studio layoffs. As reported by Vice, the incident triggered a comprehensive internal review, requiring asset replacements and contributing to the extended timeline now confirmed by Sony leadership.

Is Bungie Losing Its Independence?

The investor call delivered another bombshell: Bungie’s operational autonomy is fading. Despite Sony’s 2022 acquisition guaranteeing creative independence, Tao confirmed integration into PlayStation Studios is accelerating. “This independence is getting lighter,” Tao noted. “Bungie is shifting into a role becoming more a part of PlayStation Studios.”

Sources indicate Sony’s original deal included clauses to absorb Bungie fully if financial targets—reportedly tied to Destiny 2 revenue and Marathon’s timely delivery—weren’t met. The studio’s challenges likely triggered these terms, transforming Bungie from a semi-autonomous entity into a core PlayStation asset. This structural shift raises questions about future creative direction and leadership under Sony’s direct oversight.

What Comes Next for Marathon?

With the 2026 window locked, Bungie is expected to showcase new Marathon gameplay and mechanics later in 2025—potentially at a PlayStation Showcase. The studio faces immense pressure to deliver a polished experience that justifies the extended wait and navigates lingering skepticism from the plagiarism fallout.

Meanwhile, Bungie’s absorption into PlayStation Studios marks the end of an era for the Halo creator. How this integration affects its culture and projects beyond Marathon remains a critical storyline for 2026.

Bungie’s journey with Marathon epitomizes high-stakes game development: a beloved franchise revival delayed by controversy, now racing toward a 2026 release as its studio’s independence fades. For PlayStation, delivering a flawless launch is paramount to justify both the investment and the seismic corporate shift now reshaping one of gaming’s most legendary teams. Follow trusted gaming outlets for updates as the new release date approaches.

Must Know

What is Marathon’s new release window?

Sony confirmed Marathon will launch by March 2026, within its current fiscal year. An exact date is expected around October/November 2025. The delay followed a plagiarism scandal that forced asset revisions.

Why was Marathon delayed?

In May 2025, an artist accused Bungie of using unlicensed artwork in promotional materials. Bungie admitted fault, citing a former employee’s error, and postponed the game indefinitely to address the issue.

Is Bungie still independent from PlayStation?

No. Sony CFO Lin Tao stated Bungie’s independence is “getting lighter” as integration into PlayStation Studios advances. This shift follows unmet financial targets and Marathon’s development hurdles.

Will Marathon release on Xbox?

Yes. Despite Sony’s ownership of Bungie, Marathon remains a multi-platform title targeting PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC upon its 2026 release.

How did Destiny 2 impact Bungie’s status?

Destiny 2’s underperformance reportedly triggered clauses in Sony’s acquisition deal allowing full integration if revenue goals weren’t met. This contributed to Bungie’s loss of autonomy.