Marathon's monetization generates concerns

GAMING NEWS Fyra Frost - Mar 9, 2026, 16:30 - 31 comments

In its first days after it was released, Marathon, the new extraction shooter from Bungie, has generated both enthusiasm and criticism among players. The long-awaited revival of the studio's classic franchise launched earlier this month and quickly attracted attention for its fast-paced combat and competitive structure, but its monetization model has already become a major talking point within the community.

Monetization is in the spotlight

Early player impressions have been generally positive when it comes to gameplay, confirming that the game delivers what it promised. Many users have praised the title’s tight shooting mechanics and tense PvPvE encounters, in which squads of three players explore hostile environments, collect valuable loot, and attempt to extract while battling rival teams and AI-controlled enemies. The game's distinctive art style and atmosphere have also been widely highlighted as strengths during the opening days following release.

However, criticism has emerged around the game's microtransactions and battle pass system. Some players have expressed frustration with the way cosmetic items are handled, noting that certain customization options require duplicates or additional purchases to be applied to multiple pieces of gear. Others have argued that the battle pass offers limited value compared to similar systems in other live-service games, particularly because it does not provide enough premium currency through progression to offset its cost.

In response to the feedback, Bungie has acknowledged community concerns and indicated that adjustments are already under consideration. According to the developer, upcoming updates may include changes to the monetization structure and improvements aimed at making cosmetic systems and progression feel more rewarding for players. The studio said it is closely monitoring feedback during the launch window and plans to refine the experience as the game evolves.

The launch has also been accompanied by a separate debate within the gaming press. Bungie has asked critics to delay publishing full reviews of Marathon until later in the month, when an endgame zone will become available. The studio argues that this content represents a key part of the game’s overall progression and that evaluating the title without it could lead to an incomplete assessment.

As a live-service multiplayer title, the early weeks will be crucial for Marathon. Bungie's ability to address monetization concerns while continuing to expand the game's content will likely play a major role in determining the future of the game. Remember that you can easily and safely access the cheapest Marathon PC keys with our comparator at any time if you don't own the game yet.

fryzix

Mar 11, 2026, 16:32

If Bungie wants Marathon to run over time, they have every interest in being transparent and avoiding practices that give the impression of being manipulative. Community trust is easy to lose and very hard to regain. The problem is when the system seems deliberately designed to push players to spend more than expected with poorly calibrated virtual currencies. Personally, I have already bought the game, so for me it stops there. I have no intention of spending extra money on skins or premium currencies. If the content of the game is not sufficient on its own after purchase, there is a problem in the model

Nachos

Mar 12, 2026, 18:38 on dlcompare.fr

For me, the principle is simple: I buy a game, then eventually its DLC if they bring real content. But microtransactions, no. When I pay for a game, I believe the experience should be complete. If a studio wants to sell expansions later, why not, but at least it's clear: you're paying for real content, not for virtual currency or cosmetics. The game + DLC model seems to me much healthier and more transparent than microtransactions.

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bonneinne

Mar 12, 2026, 12:11 on dlcompare.es

Speaking of cosmetics, seriously, couldn't they have done something more interesting? Inspired by the same competitors, like Arc (you buy or take a suit and they give you full customization), and here you just buy a style (a color change), which is not worth it.

corvus_haugland

Mar 12, 2026, 09:34 on dlcompare.fr

The more we learn about Marathon, the more it gives the impression of yet another live-service game designed primarily for monetization rather than for players. Between the poorly calibrated premium currency, the combat pass and the whole ecosystem of microtransactions, it looks more like a store with a game around it. Bungie had a good reputation with Destiny, but now it looks like they're repeating the same mistakes. If from the outset you get the impression that you're being taken for a ride, it's going to be difficult for the game to last in the long term.

VicksB

Mar 12, 2026, 09:24 on dlcompare.es

I'm glad that a company, as Bungie has now done, reads player feedback and modifies things or policies like this micro transaction policy.

Scibella

Mar 11, 2026, 18:30 on dlcompare.pt

When a paid game adds a premium currency with packages that don't exactly match the price of the items, or systems that force you to buy duplicates for certain cosmetics, it quickly gives the impression that everything has been planned to encourage more spending. It's a shame, because Marathon's gameplay is strong and the game has real potential. But if monetization is too aggressive, it could quickly undermine players' confidence and damage the game's image. In the end, everything will depend on the reaction of the developers: if they adjust the system to make it clearer and fairer, the controversy could quickly subside

jjpasu

Mar 11, 2026, 14:16 on dlcompare.es

That the monetization model adjusts is a positive opportunity for everyone.

LaviBorra

Mar 11, 2026, 12:56 on dlcompare.es

It's not simply ignoring complaints, but that they have already acknowledged the concerns and plan to make adjustments. That, to me as a gamer, is a sign of respect for those of us who support Marathon, and shows that the gaming experience is still the priority, not just sales.

nyvek92

Mar 11, 2026, 12:29 on dlcompare.fr

I don't necessarily mind microtransactions per se, they've become quite common in games these days. As long as it's cosmetic and doesn't unbalance the game, I can understand the principle. On the other hand, I'm not buying anything at the moment. I've already paid for the game, so I'd rather wait and see how it evolves and whether it really lasts before spending anything more. A lot of games disappear or lose their community pretty quickly, so for now I'm remaining cautious. If the game survives, improves and the developers continue to support it well, then why not consider buying something later?

PhoenixAdi

Mar 11, 2026, 11:41 on dlcompare.es

The microtransaction debate that it can be addressed with patches and improvements shows that there is openness to feedback, something not many titles can say. This makes me confident that Bungie can tweak things to keep players happy.