Trending Now - Bungie Requests Delay on Marathon Reviews Until Endgame Launch

WHO:

Bungie, a video game developer

Ollie Toms, a contributor for Rock Paper Shotgun

IGN, a media outlet mentioned in the context of reviews

ResetEra forums, where discussions about the game took place

WHAT:

Bungie released the reboot of Marathon on March 5, 2026.

Bungie requested that critics delay their "full review and impressions" until the launch of the "Cryo Archive," a pinnacle endgame zone, which will be unlocked in the second half of March 2026.

The Steam player count for Marathon peaked below 87,000 on its release date.

The game currently ranks outside the top 10 most-played games on Valve’s marketplace.

A new indie game, Slay the Spire 2, reached over 177,000 players.

WHERE:

The game is available on Steam, a digital distribution platform for video games.

WHEN:

Marathon was released on March 5, 2026.

The Cryo Archive zone is expected to be unlocked in the second half of March 2026.

WHY:

Bungie’s request to delay reviews is aimed at allowing critics to experience the full game, including the endgame content, before forming opinions.

The request may reflect concerns about initial reactions to the game, as indicated by the low player count.

HOW:

Bungie communicated their request to reviewers via an embargo email, stating, "There is no embargo on any coverage, impressions, livestreams, VODs, or assets. You can publish content as you play the game. However, we ask you to hold your full review and impressions until you play Cryo Archive."

Bungie released the reboot of Marathon on March 5, 2026, but requested that critics hold off on their full reviews until the Cryo Archive, a key endgame zone, is unlocked later this month. On its launch day, the game's Steam player count peaked below 87,000, placing it outside the top 10 most-played titles on Valve's marketplace, while a new indie game, Slay the Spire 2, surged past 177,000 players. Bungie's request to delay reviews was communicated through an embargo email, encouraging reviewers to share their gameplay experiences but to wait for a complete assessment until they could explore the full game, including the upcoming endgame content.