Marathon will get new PVE modes to bring in new players following underperforming launch

Following an underwhelming launch, Bungie is now prioritizing content that adds more game types to Marathon, including some mysterious PVE modes.

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Bungie has announced it's currently experimenting with two new PVE-oriented modes, and both will be available when season 2 drops on June 2. The exact features of these Nightfall modes haven't been revealed so far, but Bungie says one of the modes will have a "light touch" of PVP. The developer wants to create mood-based playlists and something like a PVE mode could help take the edge off of competitive play, not unlike strikes versus the crucible in Destiny.

"In Season 2, we will be experimenting with two modes, one at the beginning of the season and one towards the middle/latter half of the season. The experimental mode at the beginning of the season will focus more on PVE, but with a light touch of PVP. The second experimental mode will be a PVE-only mode that's focused on crews being tasked with completing objectives together and making some progress across matches," Bungie wrote in a major Marathon season 2 update post.

The news comes after Marathon's initial release delivered disappointing results, prompting Sony to make an expensive $700 million+ impairment charge. This impacted PlayStation's quarterly operating income, dropping it below a 10% margin for the FY25 period.

Bungie's other live game, Destiny 2, may also be struggling on PC as SteamDB puts the daily player base at around 10-11K on Steam.

Adding in new content, including new modes of play, in tandem with well-timed promotional discounts may attract more users during critical periods as Bungie continues laying out plans for future seasons of Marathon.

Sony's executive management acknowledges Marathon's missteps in its earnings call with investors, but appears to be optimistic that Bungie can turn things around with continued adjustments.