The recent launch of Marathon's season 2 and free week has failed to significantly impact the game's trajectory, according to initial data. The game's player count has returned to a low baseline within two weeks, a stark contrast to the previous two-month period it took to reach the same level after season 1's launch. This indicates a lack of sustained engagement and a potential decline in player interest.
Despite Bungie's efforts to attract a broader player base, the game's performance on Steam remains underwhelming. The concurrent player peak of 40,000 during the season 2 launch is significantly lower than the paid launch, and the game has since lost players each subsequent day. As of the free week's end, the player count has dropped to around 18,000, and it now peaks at 12,753, which is similar to the pre-season 2 baseline.
The game's ranking in the top sellers and daily users list on Steam further highlights its struggle. Marathon currently sits at #116 in top sellers and #157 in daily users, suggesting that the free week did not significantly boost sales. This is a concerning trend, especially considering the game's potential to support Bungie in the future.
Bungie's previous game, Destiny, which is no longer receiving updates, has averaged over 100,000 concurrent Steam players a night, with a console base twice that size. This comparison highlights the challenge Marathon faces in maintaining player interest and engagement.
The road ahead for Marathon appears steep and almost vertical. While Sony has publicly backed the game and its game director has outlined a plan for five seasons of content, the effectiveness of these measures is uncertain. The game's current state and the lack of significant improvements suggest that turning Marathon around may be a daunting task, especially with the looming threat of layoffs at Bungie.
