By Games News Daily / April 18, 2025
Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, has been the subject of heated discussions since its reveal. The latest news? The game won’t be a full-priced $70 title, but Bungie insists it’s still a “premium” experience. So, what does that actually mean for gamers? Let’s break it down.
Marathon’s Pricing Mystery – A Smart Move or a Risky Bet?
Bungie recently clarified on Twitter/X that while Marathon is a “premium title,” it won’t carry a full AAA price tag. This raises a few key questions:
- What exactly makes it “premium” if it’s not $70?
- Will it follow the $40 model like Helldivers 2 and Concord?
- Could this pricing strategy help or hurt its success?
Last year, rumors suggested a $40 price point, which aligns with Sony’s recent live-service experiments. Helldivers 2 thrived at that price, while Concord… well, we all know how that went.
Why This Pricing Strategy Makes Sense
- Extraction shooters are a competitive genre – With DMZ, Escape from Tarkov, and Hunt: Showdown dominating, a lower entry cost could attract more players.
- Live-service games rely on engagement – A cheaper buy-in means more players, which fuels microtransactions and long-term revenue.
- Bungie’s reputation is on the line – After Destiny 2’s monetization controversies, a fair price could rebuild trust.
Potential Red Flags
- “Premium but not full price” sounds vague – Will there be aggressive monetization later?
- Will content justify the cost? If Marathon launches light on content, players might feel shortchanged.
Final Verdict: Cautious Optimism
Bungie’s decision to avoid a $70 tag is smart—extraction shooters need a healthy player base to survive. However, the real test will be whether the game delivers enough value at its yet-to-be-revealed price.
If Marathon launches at $40 with solid content and fair monetization, it could be a hit. But if it feels like a cash grab with a “premium” label, players will vote with their wallets.
What do you think? Is Marathon worth a day-one purchase, or will you wait for reviews? Let us know in the comments!
Read the full news on GameSpot.
