Marathon is an intriguing game that dives into a dark, sci-fi universe, brought to us by Bungie, the studio behind Destiny. It’s part of a growing trend called “extraction shooters.” In these games, teams are dropped into dangerous areas and must escape while battling foes. After a few hours of play, I’m hooked by the gameplay and the mysterious world. However, I can’t help but wonder how long it’ll stick around.
The world of live-service shooters is unpredictable. Developers are eagerly chasing big hits like Fortnite, but the landscape is chaotic. For example, on the same day Marathon launched, Highguard announced its final update before shutting down. This raises the question: will Marathon succeed in such a turbulent environment?
The speed at which live-service games fail is surprising. Wildlight Entertainment, which created Highguard, reported 2 million players, yet the game will close just weeks after its launch. Similarly, after its fighting game 2XKO launched, Riot officials let go of many team members. They said while the game had a loyal following, it couldn’t keep the momentum going. Even established studios are struggling; Remedy, known for single-player games, has faced tough outcomes when entering this space.
Companies keep trying, though, because when a live-service game succeeds, it can be huge. Fortnite is not just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, collaborating with icons from Disney to popular musicians. League of Legends has supported Riot for over a decade. However, the live-service arena is harder to navigate now. Games like Arc Raiders and Helldivers 2 show that success is possible, but the risks are significant.
What’s baffling is why newer games like Highguard and 2XKO are given so little time to find their footing. In a competitive environment, just a few weeks isn’t enough. Games like Fortnite and League took time to gain traction, evolving from different gameplay models and emerging in less crowded markets. With high expectations today, something like Highguard was destined to struggle from the start.
In conclusion, even though Marathon stands out in a complex landscape, its future is uncertain. Many factors ultimately play a role, but the quick dismissal of new games raises broader questions about the industry’s approach to innovation and risk. As players, we can only hope that more games get the time they need to flourish.
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