Many gamers recently expressed disappointment with Bungie’s gameplay reveal for ‘Marathon.’ Instead of interactive excitement, it felt like a long-winded pitch—showcasing streamers racing through the game without truly immersing us in what 'Marathon' has to offer.

However, everything changed when I stumbled upon a thought-provoking video that brilliantly lays out the case for the game. Unlike the chaotic Twitch streams filled with shouting, this thirty-minute gem, created by Skarrow in collaboration with Polygon’s Ryan Gillam, delivers calm, insightful explanations about gameplay and design based on actual playtesting.

For the first time, viewers can get a clear picture of what a match in 'Marathon' could look and feel like, highlighting pivotal PvE aspects with thrilling UESC marine skirmishes that are sure to intrigue many.

Ryan Gillam shares a compelling perspective that makes ‘Marathon’ accessible to a broader audience, particularly for dedicated ‘Destiny 2’ players. He suggests that if you enjoy the PvE elements in ‘Destiny’ and occasionally dip into Crucible for rewards, then ‘Marathon’ might just be your new obsession. On the flip side, if PvP scares you off, this may not be the title for you.

Interestingly, Ryan admits he thought ‘Marathon’ wouldn’t resonate with him, yet after playtesting, he’s completely changed his stance, calling it "unequivocally fun." I share his sentiment; as a fan of Bungie's shooters, I initially questioned my ability to dive into an extraction shooter—but Ryan’s enthusiasm has inspired me to give it a real shot.

Excitement builds as the Closed Alpha approaches, kicking off this week! While some players might have faced issues snagging access codes, not all codes may have been distributed yet. For those left waiting, an Open Beta is set for August—an opportunity that could redefine ‘Marathon’ for skeptics.

This Closed Alpha is a critical moment for ‘Marathon’ as players dive deep into its mechanics, set to reveal whether it lives up to the hype. Make sure to keep an eye out—I’m eager to see how this unfolds!