Bungie’s Marathon Faces High-Stakes Launch: Top 5 NPD Sales or Bust?
Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, is facing immense pressure, with reports claiming it needs to crack the top 5 in NPD (Circana) sales for the year to be deemed a success. Is this a realistic goal, or an impossible mission?
The journey for Marathon has been anything but smooth. Mixed reactions to its Closed Alpha, coupled with an art theft controversy, have created a challenging landscape for the game. Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest internal morale at Bungie is low, with ex-developers raising concerns and current staff grappling with uncertainty regarding the project's direction.
According to Forbes journalist Paul Tassi, citing insider information, Bungie's internal goal is exceptionally ambitious. "I heard this needed to be in the top five of NPD sales for the year if it’s going to be a success or considered a success. Crazy. No way. There’s no way,", Tassi stated in a recent YouTube video. This target is particularly noteworthy given that Marathon is not a free-to-play title. Bungie plans to release it as a premium, paid game, reportedly priced around $40.
This means players will not only need to decide if Marathon is worth their money but also convince their friends to join them – a tough sell in a market already saturated with major releases. The competitive landscape is fierce, with highly anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yotei, and Borderlands 4 all vying for players' attention and wallets. Breaking into the top 5 sales charts is a monumental task, even for a studio as established as Bungie.
Adding to the complexity, Bungie has reportedly scrapped its original marketing plans for Marathon. Following the negative feedback from the Closed Alpha, a trailer, pre-orders, and an open beta originally slated for release have been delayed or replaced with smaller public playtests. This shift indicates a need for refinement and adjustments based on player feedback.
Despite these challenges, Marathon boasts several exciting features, including cross-platform play and cross-save, allowing players to enjoy the game regardless of their console choice. Competitive ranks add structure to gameplay, with a ranked mode scoring players based on performance. Furthermore, Marathon features unique *Runners* with distinct abilities and gear, encouraging balance and player investment.
The game will also forgo a traditional campaign and focus on a more dynamic narrative that unfolds over time through in-game events and secrets. With parties up to three players able to compete against six other teams, Bungie hopes everyone can get invested faster.
Bungie's internal pressure to deliver a top-selling game is undeniable. With a shifted marketing strategy and ambitious sales targets, the stakes are high. Can Marathon overcome the hurdles and achieve its goals? Or is it facing an uphill battle in a crowded market?
What are your thoughts on Marathon's chances of success? Will it live up to the expectations, or is it destined to fall short? Leave your comments below and share your opinions!
