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[kpopSuperstar]

The companies don't give a fuck about CCUs.

And well, obviously if they opened a Marathon closed beta to let's say 5000 players they won't expect the same CCUs than and Arc Raider beta opened to let's say 100000 players.

In fact, companies don't look at CCUs. They look instead at metrics related to ARPU, DAU, MAU, retention, which are the ones important for GaaS. Only the server engineer looks at CCUs to know if they need to add or remove servers, rebalance players among them, etc.

Regarding betas yes, these closed alphas and betas are more to test, verify and fix multiple things while other stuff still is under development. Some time later, once they do an open beta that everybody can freely join without needed to be greenlighted by Bungie or without having preordered the game or something like that, it's where we'll really see the interest of the people in the game. And where also the player feedback will be more representative because it will be from having played a game pretty likely almost ready to release.

I assume with a more complete game the feedback will be way better. But being a GaaS pretty likely the game they'll release will be pretty much a minimum viable product, with a lot of important stuff planned to be added after launch.

Well, the Concord devs said they knew they were fucked from their low beta numbers.

 

[clarky]

Well, the Concord devs said they knew they were fucked from their low beta numbers.

When you have an open beta a couple of weeks before launch and no one is playing then of course you know your fucked.

Nobody was comparing Arc raiders to Concord when i was playing the closed tests 6-12 months before launch with a couple if thousand players, why is that?......

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Is this feature still in the game?

 

[Fake]

Concord beta was free BTW, Marathon is paying people to play.

 

[Luipadre]

After playing this and arc, i wish arc played this well on controller. The looting and stuff is much better here on controller

 

[clarky]

Concord beta was free BTW, Marathon is paying people to play.

No they are not. Why post bullshit?

 

[clarky]

After playing this and arc, i wish arc played this well on controller. The looting and stuff is much better here on controller

Not gonna lie this is pretty good. The combat and general vibe is great.

You are right though solo is rough as fuck, but I like it.

 

[Luipadre]

Not gonna lie this is pretty good. The combat and general vibe is great.

You are right though solo is rough as fuck, but I like it.

yeah after a few hours of learning the basics, its not bad. Its just really overwhelming at first and that tutorial is so bad

 

[clarky]

yeah after a few hours of learning the basics, its not bad. Its just really overwhelming at first and that tutorial is so bad

Just activated something and got absolutely creamed by the npc's they do not fuck around.

 

[Luipadre]

Just activated something and got absolutely creamed by the npc's they do not fuck around.

You can literally die with one rush punch into the face

Those grenades are no joke too. Also bunch of annoying traps, turrets etc that wrecks you almost instantly

 

[Fake]

No they are not. Why post bullshit?

Bungie Is Paying Players $500 Just for Playing Marathon for a Month

Bungie is offering a $500 gift card to select players who complete the newest Marathon playtest. They just have to go 30 consecutive days.

www.vice.com

Players Are Getting $500 From Bungie For Playing ‘Marathon’ For A Month

Some players are able to get $500 for playing Marathon for a month, but the demands are a little more challenging than you might imagine.

www.forbes.com

Bungie Hopes A $500 Bounty Will Draw In Marathon Playtesters

Bungie really, really wants player feedback right about now.

www.dualshockers.com

 

[Saber]

No they are not. Why post bullshit?

I may be misremembering, but I think I heard them saying they would give credits for people who played. Did this got dropped or something?

 

[clarky]

Bungie Is Paying Players $500 Just for Playing Marathon for a Month

Bungie is offering a $500 gift card to select players who complete the newest Marathon playtest. They just have to go 30 consecutive days.

www.vice.com

Players Are Getting $500 From Bungie For Playing ‘Marathon’ For A Month

Some players are able to get $500 for playing Marathon for a month, but the demands are a little more challenging than you might imagine.

www.forbes.com

Bungie Hopes A $500 Bounty Will Draw In Marathon Playtesters

Bungie really, really wants player feedback right about now.

www.dualshockers.com

Thats not related to this test and not exactly unheard of in this industry.

Get your fact straight before spouting bollocks. Unless I'm on the payroll in which case they owe me £500 lol.

 

[clarky]

I may be misremembering, but I think I heard them saying they would give credits for people who played. Did this got dropped or something?

Different 30 day test to test long term progression as far as im aware.

 

[Fake]

Thats not related to this test and not exactly unheard of in this industry.

Get your fact straight before spouting bollocks. Unless I'm on the payroll in which case they owe me £500 lol.

I posted facts, you posted bullshit.

Different 30 day test to test long term progression as far as im aware.

Still payed LOL. Concord wasn't payed, either close alpha or beta test.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

clarky , Luipadre , have you found any interesting loot yet? Weapons or gadgets that change combat up from what we've seen? Curious if there's anything for those of us who are bad at clicking on heads.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Concord beta was free BTW, Marathon is paying people to play.

All studios pay playtesters. This particular playtest for Marathon isn't.

 

[Luipadre]

clarky , Luipadre , have you found any interesting loot yet? Weapons or gadgets that change combat up from what we've seen? Curious if there's anything for those of us who are bad at clicking on heads.

i'd say the weapon attachments changes quiet a bit. Also the class specific cores and implants can change your stats and add some special effects

 

[clarky]

I posted facts, you posted bullshit.



Still payed LOL. Concord wasn't payed, either close alpha or beta test.

Whats that got to do with this test?

Loads of games do paid tests but nice try.

 

[clarky]

clarky , Luipadre , have you found any interesting loot yet? Weapons or gadgets that change combat up from what we've seen? Curious if there's anything for those of us who are bad at clicking on heads.

Still too early to tell, theres a lot to get to grips with. Im still finding my feet.

I don't need to tell you this but don't listen to the voices, early impressions are positive. Playing solo, extracted a few times after getting my ass handed to me. The tension is there.

It's all very slick.

Edit: I just spent the last ten minutes hiding with a contract in my arse pocket while 2 groups duked it on the floor above. Just made it out with 20 seconds to spare.

Its dragging me in. Getting to grips with it after an admittedly rough start.

Early days though.

 

[clarky]

Jesus this game is ruthless. Everyone will hate it.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Jesus this game is ruthless. Everyone will hate it.

 

[nush]

That NDA sure is iron clad

 

[clarky]

That NDA sure is iron clad

Rules are there to be broken. Besides banning the only guy with some positive impressions would seem a little silly.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Concord beta was free BTW, Marathon is paying people to play.

Jesus this game is ruthless. Everyone will hate it.

Its in a lot of trouble, they better just pull the plug honestly

 

[clarky]

Its in a lot of trouble, they better just pull the plug honestly

How so? The discourse around it has been awful but after a few hours I have to say im really liking it.

I do like this genre, but its certainly not for everyone.

I think it will be fine.

 

[Luipadre]

Jesus this game is ruthless. Everyone will hate it.

Yeah, everyone going in expecting a walk in the park especially solo will be surprised. The loot feels better than Arc. Lots of meaningful implants, attachment, shields, grenades. I went in with just a weapon and some heal, extracted with full implant and core set, got a new sniper too and some valuables. Also the game looks really good maxed out on pc. The first map still looks a bit rough outside, but the second one looks awesome

 

[coffinbirth]

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Are you two getting f*cked up on the two maps that say "Threat level: Low", or does that cycle through difficulties depending on time of day?

 

[Luipadre]

Are you two getting f*cked up on the two maps that say "Threat level: Low", or does that cycle through difficulties depending on time of day?

Getting better with time. Now im doing great

 

[clarky]

Are you two getting f*cked up on the two maps that say "Threat level: Low", or does that cycle through difficulties depending on time of day?

Fucked up on low. Badly. love it.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

How so? The discourse around it has been awful but after a few hours I have to say im really liking it.

I do like this genre, but its certainly not for everyone.

I think it will be fine.

I just dont see it surviving if its $40

 

[clarky]

I just dont see it surviving if its $40

Im having a blast. It plays far better than Arc Raiders, and I like that game a fair bit.

Pleasantly surprised. Ill reserve proper judgement until the end of the test once I've got to grips with the loot and systems but yeah, decent so far.

Runs like butter as well and can look great at times, not so much at times as well though.

I understand its not for everyone. Odd that they'd make something like this if you ask me.

 

[Luipadre]

Fucked up on low. Badly. love it.

Solo definitely needs some tuning, game is not designed for it atm. 2 AI can fuck you up so hard, they rush you, melee you.

 

[clarky]

Solo definitely needs some tuning, game is not designed for it atm. 2 AI can fuck you up so hard, they rush you, melee you.

Yeah for sure, learned the hard way. They go down reasonablly fast but run into 2 or 3 unprepared and you are toast.

Quite enjoyable to fight surprisingly, need to vacate the area rapid after an engagement though as other players will be all over you in a rash.

Playing Stealth seems to be the way to go solo.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

I just dont see it surviving if its $40

Has there ever been a game that struggled at P2P and caught on at F2P...while essentially being the same game?

I thought Herman Hulst commented on this price notion where he said PlayStation doesn't believe price plays a primary role in whether a game succeeds or not.

Not calling Marathon a hit right now but if people bounce off at $40 then they're going to bounce off at F2P. If anything, the people who pay for this kind of game are going to stick around longer than those who fence sit.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Impossible Question: Does the game feel finished? Are you playing it thinking "This could come out next month, provided the 4th map is done." or do you feel it's needs a bunch of work before that April 2026 deadline?

 

[Luipadre]

Impossible Question: Does the game feel finished? Are you playing it thinking "This could come out next month, provided the 4th map is done." or do you feel it's needs a bunch of work before that April 2026 deadline?

Its release ready imo. Dont think they will change much from this version. I barely did quests, because i died a bunch of times and couldnt finish the 3rd quest for the first faction and there are 5 more factions with quests to do, leveling them up and unlocking upgrades

 

[nikos]

The amount of people hating on this game for seemingly no reason is wild.

I understand that most people on this forum like single player games, but why continue to argue about games you don't like (and haven't even played) instead of posting in threads for games you do?

I can't imagine going into a thread for a game I didn't like and repeatedly posting about why it's garbage.

 

[SABRE220]

Caught the reup further down. Contrary to most on here I like the style they are going for. Lots of atmosphere. Couple of the character designs irk me but I can live with it. Similarly the npc's are kinda boring but we haven't seen the second faction yet.


Looks much more polished than the alpha test. If i could get I'd be able to form a proper impression ffs. Signed up through Steam the other week also and still nothing. You'd think a few thousand hours in Destiny would count for something..........

Did the visuals improve? Is the artstyle better translated ingame, and is the game more polished?

 

[clarky]

Did the visuals improve? Is the artstyle better translated ingame, and is the game more polished?

I didn't play the previous test, I think it looks pretty good. Indoors especially.

Its certainly improved from the videos I saw, but if you didn't think much of it before your opinion probably won't change.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

for seemingly no reason is wild.

 

[clarky]

Here he is. Get posting some random youtubers click bait.

 

[ViciousAgenda]

Is there good enemy variety?

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

Here he is. Get posting some random youtubers click bait.

Do I need to? Let's ask Chat GPT:
[h3][/h3]People aren't hating Marathon for one single reason — it's a convergence of factors that together create deep skepticism and frustration toward Bungie and the project.

• Early gameplay felt generic, flat, and uninspired, lacking Bungie's usual polish.
• Forced three-player squads alienated solo players.
• Seen as trend-chasing in the crowded extraction shooter/live-service genre.
• Misuse of the Marathon name, abandoning the old games' atmosphere and depth.
• Internal issues: toxic leadership, layoffs, low morale, and delays.
• Ethical controversy: plagiarism scandal undermined trust.
• Damaged reputation from Destiny 2 struggles and corporate integration.
• Pre-emptive cynicism: many assume it will be soulless and corporate before release.
• No proximity chat: Bungie chose not to implement it due to concerns about toxicity, which some players saw as a negative for social interaction.

not my words, not clickbait videos

 

[clarky]

Do I need to? Let's ask Chat GPT:
[h3][/h3]People aren't hating Marathon for one single reason — it's a convergence of factors that together create deep skepticism and frustration toward Bungie and the project.

• Early gameplay felt generic, flat, and uninspired, lacking Bungie's usual polish.
• Forced three-player squads alienated solo players.
• Seen as trend-chasing in the crowded extraction shooter/live-service genre.
• Misuse of the Marathon name, abandoning the old games' atmosphere and depth.
• Internal issues: toxic leadership, layoffs, low morale, and delays.
• Ethical controversy: plagiarism scandal undermined trust.
• Damaged reputation from Destiny 2 struggles and corporate integration.
• Pre-emptive cynicism: many assume it will be soulless and corporate before release.
• No proximity chat: Bungie chose not to implement it due to concerns about toxicity, which some players saw as a negative for social interaction.

not my words, not clickbait videos

Next level, lol.

They fucked this up no question.Which Is a shame because so far, on first impressions, Im finding the actual game surprisingly enjoyable, excellent even.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

Next level, lol.

They fucked this up no question.Which Is a shame because so far, on first impressions, Im finding the actual game surprisingly enjoyable, excellent even.

and that's why I'm intrigued.

They been humiliated (internally and externally) and the studio is on the line.... there shouldn't be any bullshit coming form them. their ultimate goal should be to make the most enjoyable and awesome game for the people who is actually going to play it.

 

[clarky]

and that's why I'm intrigued.

They been humiliated (internally and externally) and the studio is on the line.... there shouldn't be any bullshit coming form them. their ultimate goal should be to make the most enjoyable and awesome game for the people who is actually going to play it.

I'm planning on giving it a fair shot over the weekend and will be be able to form a proper opinion after that.

Game seems release ready so far. They added a solo queue and prox chat so looks like they are actually listening for once.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

I'm planning on giving it a fair shot over the weekend and will be be able to form a proper opinion after that.

Game seems release ready so far. They added a solo queue and prox chat so looks like they are actually listening for once.

Marketing and PR will be crucial for the reintroduction of this IP. i don't think the game itself, actual gameplay has shown something as surprising/cool as the Arc Raiders spider enemy.

while the game can feel awesome to play... i think the biggest challenge will be post lunch content and progression.

 

[clarky]

Marketing and PR will be crucial for the reintroduction of this IP. i don't think the game itself, actual gameplay has shown something as surprising/cool as the Arc Raiders spider enemy.

while the game can feel awesome to play... i think the biggest challenge will be post lunch content and progression.

Always, sandwich fillings and snacks will make or break this game.

Joking aside the progression seems decent. Bungie are patchy to say the least with post launch content, but theyve had rmextra time to get Infront of things in that regard so you never know.