As excitement builds around Bungie’s new game, Marathon, one burning question looms: Can it capture an audience? The answer may be trickier than expected.

The game has several potential player demographics, but not all of them are a perfect match. Let's break down who might be interested and who might not.

Destiny Players: A Missed Connection?

Despite Marathon being Bungie’s first venture outside the Destiny universe in over a decade, the majority of Destiny players may not find it appealing. It lacks the rich PvE content that defines Destiny, as Bungie has confirmed there are no plans for substantial PvE elements in Marathon. While some elements, particularly for dedicated PvP players, might feel familiar, the shift from a looter shooter to an extraction shooter is significant.

It's likely that the largest portion of initial sales will be from Destiny players, yet retention might be a different story. Bungie is wary of losing its existing fanbase, especially as they tackle declining player counts for Destiny. Interestingly, more developers are currently focused on Destiny than on Marathon.

The Tarkov Challenge: Loyalty Runs Deep

Of course, we can't ignore Escape from Tarkov, the titan of extraction shooters. Tarkov has cultivated a fiercely loyal player base since 2016, boasting over 100,000 concurrent players daily. Convincing dedicated Tarkov fans to switch will be no easy feat, even if the genre aligns closely.

Apex Legends: A New Frontier?

Next up is Apex Legends. Given Marathon’s class structure and gameplay dynamics, it could appeal to Apex enthusiasts. Currently, Apex maintains a healthy player count of around 180,000 concurrent users on Steam, despite a gradual decline over the past year. With this downturn, there may be an opportunity for Marathon to attract players looking for something fresh.

Tuning In: The Role of Shooter Streamers

Another vital player segment includes shooter streamers who attract vast audiences. Many popular Destiny streamers will undoubtedly check out Marathon during its launch. There’s hope that a robust marketing campaign from Bungie and Sony will encourage influencers to showcase the game, generating buzz and potentially drawing in new players. However, the game's $40 price tag could deter participants, making retention the real challenge post-launch.

Ultimately, launching a successful multiplayer shooter today is no small feat. Marathon faces the uphill battle of not only attracting players but also keeping them engaged amid competition and ever-changing gaming trends. Only time will tell if it rises to the occasion or fades into obscurity.

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