Summary
Destiny 2developer Bungie has been in the eye of the storm for quite a long time now due to issues with delivering a good expansion forDestiny 2with Lightfall, then layoffs in months that followed, as well as the cancelation of a project codenamedMatterand rumors regardingMarathon. There was a lot of hype surroundingMarathonwhen it was first announced, although the news that it was meant to be an extraction-based shooter didn’t sit well with some fans. Originally one of the earliestBungieIPs way beforeDestiny 2and evenHalo,Marathonwas set to come back this year in a new guise, but it was delayed recently, and now it faces even more controversies due to new developments.
Marathonwas first revealed by Bungie on Jul 25, 2025, and it was one of the many rumored or partially confirmed games the company was trying to get out before the end of 2025, includingMatter,Gummy Bears, and possibly aDestinymobile game. Originally, the game had Christopher Barrett at its helm, and one of the first controversies surrounding it was that it was allegedly shown in hands-on previews toEscape From Tarkovplayers due to their extraction-shooter expertise, but it didn’t stick the landing. Now, with a new Game Director and a different approach to the player character,Marathonis in the middle of another fan backlash.
Destiny 2 Developer Bungie is in Hot Waters With Marathon’s New Hero Approach
Marathon’s Player Character Controversy Explained
Recently, formerValorantGame Director Joe Zieglertook to social media to announce he has beenMarathon’s Game Director for the past nine months, which came with the report thatMarathonis allegedly switching from a customizable player character to a cast of selectable heroes. The news of this U-turn didn’t land well among most fans, with the reception being mostly negative or simply not positive as opposed to the idea of letting players make their own in-game avatar.
On social media, fans were generally unhappy about the news, saying it could kill their interest in the game if the extraction-shooter scope hadn’t already, and with a new Game Director that may have influenced this choice considering Ziegler’s work withValorantat Riot, things do not bode well forBungie’s newMarathon. On top of this, Ziegler’s new role as Game Director also comes with some questions, as the original announcement trailer came presumably under Barrett’s lead in May, but Ziegler seemingly took over nine months ago, which means in June 2023.
How Fans Responded to Marathon’s Cast of Heroes News
Why Marathon is Experiencing Fan Backlash
Thus, one is left to wonder if the allegedMarathonplaytest forEscape From Tarkovplayers happened under Barrett or Ziegler, and how this impacted future decisions, if at all. Barrett is seemingly retaining a major role at Bungie, but apparently not as Game Director for any of the currently known games, includingGummy Bears. Still, another point of contention from fans is thatDestiny 2’s customizable character approach stands in stark contrast with a cast of heroes a laApex Legends, and this doesn’t seem like a potential selling point forMarathonwhen looking at Bungie’s audience.
Destiny 2’s crossover skinsand unlockable cosmetics play a big part in the gameplay loop and player retention process, so moving away from that and in an opposite direction does feel like a staggering choice forMarathonto make. This is currently one of the biggest issues for fans, even some of those who originally were not happy with the extraction-shooter direction, and while a cast of predetermined heroes is not necessarily bad per se, the way this is implemented and how the game plays out remain something that only future trailers will fully unveil.
Destiny 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.An Immersive StoryYou are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.Guardian ClassesChoose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
