Marathon Alpha Sparks Debate: Is Aim Assist Ruining the PC Experience?
Bungie's Marathon, the highly anticipated extraction shooter, is currently undergoing a closed alpha, and it's already stirring up controversy. While many are eager to get their hands on a code, a significant debate is raging among those who have access: the presence of aim assist on the PC version of the game. Is this feature, intended to balance crossplay between PC and console, ultimately harming the PC experience?
Shroud, a popular Twitch streamer and former professional Counter-Strike player, has voiced strong criticism, arguing that the aim assist, referred to as "Aim Magnetism" in the game's settings, could "ruin" Marathon for PC players. He believes that PC gamers would prefer to rely on their own skill and mechanics rather than having an artificial assist, even if it means losing.
"They need to just remove the mouse aim assist shit," Shroud stated during a recent stream. "I get that they are trying to balance consoles and PCs for Crossplay. But it’s only going to ruin the PC part of the game… PC players would rather improve their mechanics than have an assist."
Shroud isn't alone in this sentiment. Many other PC players participating in the closed alpha have expressed similar concerns on platforms like Reddit, with some even labeling the aim assist as a "soft aimbot." They argue that it diminishes the skill-based gameplay that PC gamers value and removes the tension from firefights. One Reddit user wrote, "Feels like garbage. I don’t think I’ve missed a shot the entire alpha so far."
However, opinions on Marathon's alpha are divided overall. Some players are enjoying the game, describing it as a more "casual-friendly" version of *Escape from Tarkov*. Others have praised the graphics and smooth performance on PC. There are also reports of challenging AI opponents that can swarm players, offering a degree of difficulty.
Bungie is aware of the feedback regarding aim assist. Gameplay director Andrew Witts has stated that it is something they are "trying out" in the alpha as a way to maintain parity between mouse and keyboard and controller. He emphasized that they are actively seeking feedback and are prepared to tune it aggressively.
The good news is that aim magnetism can be turned off in the settings. Witts confirms, "We're not trying to have it be this must-pick kind of thing. So if folks feel differently when they play, we're looking to get that feedback and tune aggressively."
With the closed alpha ending soon, and Bungie seemingly open to feedback, the future of aim assist in Marathon remains uncertain. Will Bungie address the concerns of PC players and potentially remove or significantly reduce the aim assist? Or will they stick to their vision of crossplay balance, even if it means alienating some PC gamers?
What do you think? Is aim assist a necessary evil for crossplay, or is it detrimental to the PC gaming experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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