### Marathon Closed Alpha: Is This the Future of Gaming, or Just Another Hype Train?
Let’s all take a moment to thank Bungie, the developer of some of the most acclaimed games in history, like *Halo* and *Destiny*. Why? Because they’re graciously inviting us to the ultra-exclusive, super-secretive closed alpha of *Marathon*! This is not just any game; it’s a revival of a classic from the ‘90s—but with a modern twist! Oh, and by “modern,” I mean they’re hopping on the extraction shooter bandwagon that every other developer seems to be riding lately. But hey, who doesn’t love a good bandwagon?
According to the original article on Forbes, the closed alpha will open soon, giving a select few lucky players a chance to try out Bungie’s newest creation. But don’t worry, the rest of us peasants can wait until the game actually launches. Patience builds character, right?
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### What Is Marathon Anyway?
If you’re wondering what *Marathon* is and why you should care, let me enlighten you. Back in the ancient times of 1994, Bungie launched the original *Marathon*, a sci-fi first-person shooter that was, for its time, groundbreaking. Fast forward to 2025, and Bungie is resurrecting the IP as an extraction shooter. Because apparently, we don’t already have enough of those.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, extraction shooters are games where players scavenge for loot in hostile environments and try to escape without dying. Think *Escape from Tarkov* but with a Bungie twist. And by “twist,” I mean flashy graphics, polished mechanics, and probably a lore so convoluted you’ll need a PhD to understand it.
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### How to Sign Up for the Closed Alpha
So, you’re dying to get into this closed alpha, huh? Well, here’s the deal:
1. **Create a Bungie account**: If you don’t already have one, head over to Bungie’s official website and sign up. It’s free, but it might cost you a bit of your dignity.
2. **Opt-in for testing**: Once logged in, go to your account settings and enable the “opt-in” option for alpha and beta testing. This basically tells Bungie, “Hey, I’m desperate to try your game. Please pick me!”
3. **Cross your fingers**: Bungie will randomly select players to participate. So light a candle, say a prayer, or perform some kind of gaming ritual to increase your chances.
If you don’t make it into the closed alpha, don’t worry—you can always watch YouTubers and streamers rub it in your face. Fun times!
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### Why Should You Care About This Game?
Great question. Here’s why *Marathon* might actually be worth your attention:
– **It’s Bungie**: Love them or hate them, Bungie knows how to make a good shooter. From the smooth gunplay to the jaw-dropping visuals, they rarely disappoint.
– **Nostalgia Factor**: If you played the original *Marathon*, this reboot might hit you right in the feels.
– **Competitive Edge**: Extraction shooters are all the rage right now. If done right, *Marathon* could become the next big thing. Or it could flop harder than a Netflix live-action adaptation. Who knows?
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### Pros & Cons of Marathon (Because We’re Fair Like That)
#### Pros
– **Stunning visuals**: Expect nothing less from Bungie. Bring your sunglasses because the graphics are going to shine.
– **Innovative gameplay**: Bungie’s take on the extraction shooter genre could breathe new life into a somewhat stale formula.
– **Rich lore**: If you’re into deep, intricate storytelling, Bungie’s got you covered. Prepare to get lost in the *Marathon* universe.
#### Cons
– **It’s an alpha**: Translation: bugs, glitches, and probably some frustration. But hey, that’s what you signed up for.
– **Limited access**: Only a select few will get to play the closed alpha. The rest of us will have to wait for the full release.
– **Risk of overhype**: Let’s be honest—Bungie’s track record isn’t flawless. Remember the rocky launches of *Destiny* and *Destiny 2*? Yeah, me too.
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### The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
The gaming industry is evolving faster than you can say “microtransactions.” Bungie’s decision to revive *Marathon* as an extraction shooter says a lot about current trends. Developers are constantly looking for ways to keep players engaged (and spending money) over the long term. Games as a service, anyone?
But will *Marathon* stand out in a sea of competitors? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: Bungie has the resources, talent, and fanbase to make this work. Let’s just hope they don’t overpromise and underdeliver. Again.
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### Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a hardcore Bungie fan or just someone looking for the next big thing in gaming, *Marathon* is worth keeping an eye on. The closed alpha might be exclusive, but the hype? Oh, that’s for everyone.
So, what do you think? Are you excited about *Marathon*, or are you rolling your eyes at yet another extraction shooter? Let us know in the comments below!
And don’t forget to check out our other gaming content, like “The Best Upcoming Games of 2025”. Who knows, you might discover your next obsession!
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### Call to Action
Ready to dive into the world of *Marathon*? Head over to Bungie’s website and sign up for the closed alpha today. Don’t forget to follow us for more updates, gaming news, and sarcastic commentary. Subscribe to our newsletter for your weekly dose of tech and gaming insights. You won’t regret it (probably).
