Sony and Bungie's Upcoming Shooter 'Marathon' Opening Animation Leaked

Sony Interactive Entertainment and Bungie, the creative minds behind the Destiny series, are reportedly working on a new action shooter titled Marathon. Recently, some intriguing footage has surfaced, specifically the game's opening animation, and it's generating quite a bit of excitement and discussion online.

The leak, spotted and shared on the platform Steamable, offers our first real glimpse into the game's narrative setup. It immediately throws players into a tense scenario aboard the UESC Marathon, a colonial vessel built on Mars's moon Deimos. The animation establishes that this ship was constructed using materials from Deimos, but it also presents a grim picture: most of the original colonists have vanished under mysterious circumstances. What remains are survivors fractured into competing factions, all scrambling through the decaying remnants of the ship and its surrounding environment, fighting for essential resources.

This initial sequence effectively sets the stage for Marathon's core gameplay loop. It hints at a world where desperation has led to division, and survival is paramount. These factions aren't just fighting amongst themselves; they're essentially acting as procurers, dispatching specialized operatives known as "Runners." These aren't your typical human soldiers. They're individuals who have been augmented with advanced cybernetic bodies, essentially becoming highly modified, resilient agents capable of navigating treacherous situations. Their mission: infiltrate dangerous zones, engage hostile Runners, and fend off alien threats, all while recovering valuable artifacts, intel, and supplies.

Beyond the initial animation, further details have been circulating, primarily through whispers from someone familiar with Destiny development. This insider suggested the game will feature a comprehensive arsenal of 28 distinct weapons at launch. The mix includes common shooter staples like assault rifles, light machine guns, sniper rifles, shotguns, and even some more exotic types like railguns and guns. The pricing structure, pegged at $39.99 for the base game (roughly £30.99 or €35.99), is being compared to recent titles like Warzone 2105 by some observers. A deluxe edition priced at $59.99 (around £44.99 or €50.99) comes with a $30 value season pass voucher. The season pass itself, reportedly costing $10 per season, is initially focused on cosmetic upgrades, with promises of new playable characters – new "Runners" – rolling out regularly.

Pre-order incentives are also on the table, potentially offering significant cross-promotional rewards. Bundles could include items from the Destiny 2 universe, perhaps like a unique spaceship or vehicle, alongside exclusive in-game cosmetic items for characters, weapons, and environments. Think things like a distinctive pink weapon skin, special emblems, profile pictures, and background designs. The game is confirmed to be heading to the major platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC.

This leak provides a tantalizing first look at what Marathon aims to be: a fast-paced, narrative-driven action game set in a unique sci-fi universe defined by conflict, augmentation, and mystery. While the official release date still hasn't been confirmed, the emergence of this opening animation and the subsequent details suggest Bungie and Sony are aiming to make a significant splash in the competitive shooter and action game markets. It definitely feels like a project worth keeping a close eye on.