As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the release of Bungie’s new extraction shooter, Marathon, former developers from the recently shuttered Concord project are urging fans to give the game a chance. Despite early comparisons between Marathon and Concord, one industry veteran believes that Bungie’s willingness to take risks deserves appreciation. Here’s a deeper look at Marathon, the lessons learned from Concord, and what we can expect from Bungie’s latest creation.
A New Frontier for Bungie: Marathon and Its Unique Approach to Live-Service Sci-Fi Shooters
Bungie’s long-awaited Marathon has recently entered the spotlight, offering a bold new take on the extraction shooter genre. Set in a vibrant, sci-fi universe, Marathon shares some similarities with Concord, Sony’s unfortunate live-service flop. Both games are sci-fi shooters with a colorful aesthetic and a live-service model, leading some to draw parallels between the two. However, Marathon’s release has not been entirely smooth sailing. Critics and gamers alike have made comparisons to Concord, raising concerns that Bungie’s new project might suffer the same fate as the failed shooter.
Stephan Williams, a former senior VFX artist at Firewalk Studios—where Concord was developed—has stepped forward to defend Marathon. He urges players to view Bungie’s new project with an open mind, particularly given the risks involved in creating a new IP in a competitive and unpredictable industry. “It takes a lot of courage to try something foreign to them, something that isn’t guaranteed to succeed,” Williams remarked, expressing admiration for Bungie’s willingness to venture into uncharted territory.
Williams, who now works as a senior VFX artist at Digital Extremes, shared his thoughts on the challenges developers face when creating ambitious projects like Marathon. Despite the failure of Concord, he stressed the importance of learning from mistakes and being supportive of the developers working tirelessly behind the scenes. “Video games are meant to be fun, and it’s crucial that we show more compassion for the developers who are working hard to create them,” Williams added.
Following a recent livestream where Bungie unveiled key details about Marathon, such as its September 23 release date and insights into the game’s maps and gameplay mechanics, there is a growing buzz surrounding the title. However, one lingering question remains: how much will Marathon cost? Bungie has confirmed that the game will not be a full-priced release, but it is promising a “premium” experience. With a closed alpha playtest scheduled for later this month, eager players have the chance to experience the game early and potentially secure a spot in the game’s ongoing development.
Despite the excitement surrounding Marathon, analysts have raised concerns about the game’s long-term success. In GameSpot’s hands-on preview, Tamoor Hussain noted that while Marathon could launch as a promising multiplayer shooter with lots of potential, the game might suffer from a lack of content at launch. Given the highly competitive nature of the multiplayer gaming scene, this could pose a significant challenge for Bungie.
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In an industry that thrives on innovation but often punishes failure, the story of Concord serves as a cautionary tale. Its failure to capture the attention of players is a painful reminder that even well-funded, high-profile projects can fall flat. For developers like Stephan Williams, who poured countless hours into creating Concord, the sense of disappointment is undeniable. However, the lessons learned from Concord could be invaluable for Bungie as it navigates the uncertain waters of the live-service game market with Marathon.
What’s particularly striking about
Bungie, having established itself as one of the most influential developers in the industry with its Destiny franchise, is certainly no stranger to both success and controversy. The transition from Destiny to Marathon is a bold one, as it moves away from the established formulas of its previous titles and explores the extraction shooter genre. The game promises a rich sci-fi world, intricate gameplay mechanics, and a focus on player progression within a live-service model. These are all elements that could set Marathon apart from other titles in the crowded multiplayer space.
However, as Williams points out, it takes courage to pursue a new vision when past efforts haven’t panned out. Bungie’s commitment to Marathon reflects its willingness to experiment, to push the boundaries of what a multiplayer shooter can be. This type of innovation, though admirable, is fraught with risk. If Marathon fails to offer enough content at launch or struggles to capture players’ attention, it could fall into the same trap as Concord.
What makes this moment particularly significant is the fact that the gaming community can play a crucial role in the success of new projects. While developers and publishers have a responsibility to deliver quality games, the players’ engagement and feedback are just as important. If the community rallies behind Marathon and supports its evolution, it could flourish into a beloved title. However, if the game is dismissed prematurely due to comparisons with Concord or other titles, it may not have the chance to fully develop its potential.
Fact Checker Results:
- Marathon is an extraction shooter, not a direct follow-up to Concord.
- While comparisons between Marathon and Concord exist, the games differ in many key aspects, including their development studios and mechanics.
- Bungie has confirmed that Marathon will not be a full-priced game but promises a “premium” experience, with a closed alpha test scheduled for later this month.
References:
Reported By: www.gamespot.com
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