Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially confirmed a new release window for its highly anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, developed by Bungie. This announcement follows months of uncertainty caused by a plagiarism scandal that led to the game’s indefinite delay. Alongside the updated timeline, Sony also hinted at a significant shift in Bungie’s status as an independent studio.
When Will Marathon Release on PS5?
During a recent investor call, Sony CFO Lin Tao revealed that Marathon is still scheduled to launch within the current fiscal year, which extends through March 2026. While no specific release date has been confirmed, Tao stated that an official date is likely to be announced around October or November 2025, providing fans with a clearer roadmap for the game’s debut.
Initially, Marathon was set for release on September 23, 2025, but was indefinitely delayed in June 2025 following the scandal. However, Sony now appears confident in the game’s progress.
“We are now fixing the problems. So we believe this launch will happen,” said Lin Tao. “And if this launch is canceled, we need to do a revision of the game’s valuation. However, as of now, this is not expected.”
This news reassures fans who have been eagerly awaiting more updates since Bungie first announced the return of the classic IP as a modern multiplayer shooter.
The Plagiarism Scandal That Rocked Marathon
Marathon faced major controversy in May 2025, when an independent artist accused Bungie of using their artwork in official promotional materials without permission. Bungie acknowledged the mistake, attributing it to a former employee who had mistakenly included the artwork in internal documentation. The incident forced PlayStation and Bungie to delay the title, vowing to address the issue before resuming development.
Following this, PlayStation issued a public statement confirming that Marathon‘s launch would be pushed back indefinitely, marking a significant blow to both the developer and Sony’s 2025 release calendar.
You can read more about the official response and adjusted timeline in this report from Vice.
Bungie May Be Losing Its Studio Independence
The other major revelation from the Sony investor call involves Bungie’s independence. According to Tao, Bungie is gradually being integrated into the PlayStation Studios family. This marks a shift from the original agreement made during Sony’s 2022 acquisition of Bungie, which stated the developer would retain creative and operational independence.
“This independence is getting lighter,” Tao stated. “So Bungie is shifting into a role which is becoming more a part of PlayStation Studios. And integration is also proceeding.”
The change comes in the wake of Destiny 2‘s ongoing financial challenges and the development setbacks faced during Marathon‘s production. Reports suggest that Sony had built-in clauses in the acquisition deal to absorb Bungie fully if certain performance goals were not met.
While this development is not entirely unexpected, it’s still a significant milestone in Bungie’s transformation from an independent powerhouse to a fully integrated part of Sony’s first-party studio lineup.
What to Expect Next
With Marathon now targeting a release by March 2026, fans can expect new trailers, gameplay reveals, and additional details later this year—potentially at Sony’s fall showcase. As anticipation builds, the gaming community will be closely watching how Bungie and Sony handle the rollout of this controversial yet promising title.
Stay tuned to TrendingNewsBuzz.com for all updates on Marathon, Sony exclusives, and Bungie’s evolving future under PlayStation.
