Following a challenging initial showing for the live-service shooter earlier this year, Bungie and PlayStation jointly decided to delay Marathon`s release from its initial target date of September 23 until next year. During a Q&A session that followed the company`s Q2 earnings call, Sony CFO Lin Tao responded to inquiries not only about the game`s status but also concerning Bungie`s evolving role, hinting that the veteran development studio will soon be fully integrated into the PlayStation Studios family.
As reported by VGC, when asked about Marathon`s current state and its likelihood of launching within the fiscal year—which concludes on March 31, 2026—Tao communicated through an interpreter that the company has “factored it into the forecast” and “expects the launch to happen within the fiscal year.” However, she was careful to emphasize that her statement was not a definitive confirmation, as “no official announcement has been given yet.”
Tao further elaborated that Sony has stepped in to implement “modifications in development,” and that a new launch date for Marathon is expected to be announced by either Bungie or PlayStation “in the autumn timeframe.” She clarified that, at this moment, the company does not anticipate the game`s cancellation.
Regarding Bungie itself, Tao indicated that the company will be integrated into the PlayStation Studios ecosystem, a shift from its initial arrangement of “offering a very independent environment.” She described the integration process as “ongoing,” with the ultimate goal for Bungie “to become part of PlayStation Studios.”
“We have gone through structural reform, as we announced last year, so this independence is getting lighter,” Tao stated. “Bungie is transitioning into a role which is becoming more part of PlayStation Studios, and integration is proceeding.”
This update represents the first public statement regarding Marathon`s status from either Bungie or PlayStation since the game`s delay in late June. The delay came after reports emerged of allegedly stolen artwork being used in the game`s assets. Graphic artist Antireal had accused the company in May of incorporating their poster designs from 2017 into the Marathon alpha test build.