Bungie Archives

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

Bungie brings the nerf hammer down on Marathon’s problematic ‘rich get richer’ gun

Bungie is addressing concerns about the Marathon Biotoxic Disinjector, a powerful weapon that combines a trace rifle and grenade launcher, which has been criticized for creating an uneven playing field in the game. The weapon is particularly effective in close-quarters combat, capable of nearly eliminating opponents with a single grenade hit. Game director Joe Ziegler acknowledged its overpowering nature and announced a 35% damage reduction as a temporary nerf, with plans for further balance adjustments. The weapon's exclusivity, available only to players who excel in challenging encounters, exacerbates the advantage for those who possess it. Prominent community figures have expressed concerns that the weapon could deter players from engaging with the game. Other content creators have noted its overwhelming effectiveness, with suggestions for additional measures to level the playing field, such as disabling the weapon in certain game modes.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

New findings reinforce why Sony may leave PC behind and release new first-party singleplayer games on PlayStation instead

Sony's entry into the PC gaming market generated 0 million in revenue over three years, as disclosed in 2023. The company is reconsidering its strategy for first-party singleplayer games on PC, potentially reinforcing PlayStation exclusivity. Jerry Liu, a former planner in Sony's PlayStation division, reported that he managed operations for the PS PC group, which grew from zero to 0 million in net revenue over three years. Sony's earnings from PC games for fiscal years were as follows: FY20: million, FY21: 0 million, FY22: 0 million. The surge in FY22 revenue was largely due to the acquisition of Bungie and the release of nine first-party titles on PC. The reported figures reflect net revenue, while actual gross revenue for FY22 was approximately 0 million. This discrepancy indicates that Sony's quarterly reports represent gross revenue, while segment briefings reflect net revenue. Focusing on PlayStation exclusivity may help Sony balance gross and net revenues and avoid revenue sharing with platforms like Valve.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Here’s your chance to get Marathon for just $1 and score one of my favorite FPS games in recent years for a tiny price

Marathon is an extraction shooter set on Tau Ceti IV, where players engage in quests for various factions while risking the loss of their gear upon death. The game features immersive gunplay and a sci-fi atmosphere, drawing inspiration from titles like Destiny and Halo. Players learn from each death, refining their strategies as they navigate both PvP and PvE elements. The game is not designed for casual gamers, requiring a commitment to mastering its mechanics. It can be acquired for just £1 through the Fanatical Mystery Egg Bundle, which offers a chance to receive a random game, including the possibility of Marathon.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Marathon review

Bungie's upcoming title, Marathon, is set to release on March 5, 2026, as an extraction shooter for up to 16 players, priced at £30. The game features a fast-paced multiplayer experience with matches lasting around 15 minutes, emphasizing player-versus-player interactions and strategic gameplay. It showcases a visually original design set in Tau Ceti, with unique environments and weapon aesthetics. The narrative is enriched by a codex with hundreds of entries, allowing for non-linear storytelling. Map designs encourage tactical engagement, and future player engagement may be affected by a seasonal wipe scheduled for June. Overall, the game has received positive feedback for its gameplay, visuals, and narrative depth.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

This sweet new PC indie game is a Steam top seller, and a blast from the past — it’s a wonderful ’90s nostalgia trip, and on sale for launch too

Retro Rewind is a shop simulator game developed by Blood Pact Studios, an indie team from Canada, that invites players to manage a '90s video rental store. Launched on Valve's Steam platform, it quickly gained popularity, securing a spot on the Top Sellers chart and peaking at 4,505 concurrent players. The game has a "Very Positive" user review rating and features extensive customization options for the store. A free demo is available, and the game is currently offered at a launch discount of .92 until March 24, down from its standard price of .90.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

Marathon review in progress – exquisite gunplay and striking aesthetics cover up some frustrating cracks

Three bags of loot are accompanied by the bio-synthetic remains of their former owners, with pools of blue blood marking the ground. The narrator has transitioned from collaborating with players in Arc Raiders to a more competitive spirit in Marathon. The game features a striking user interface and vibrant aesthetics, but some aspects, like item transitions and menu designs, can be clunky and confusing. The map layouts have engaging points of interest but also feature obstructive barriers. The gunplay is praised for its quality, with balanced gameplay and challenging PvE enemies. PvP encounters have a quick time-to-kill, and environmental dangers add intensity. However, faction quests often rely on repetitive tasks, which can be frustrating despite the compelling narrative elements. The narrator expresses surprise at their engagement with the game and suggests that improvements to the user experience and quest diversity could enhance its longevity.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

The best extraction shooters on PC or: how I learned there are other games like Arc Raiders

Extraction shooters are experiencing a renaissance with a growing selection of titles catering to various playstyles. These games revolve around the concept of "extraction," requiring players to safely leave a mission area with collected loot, risking loss upon death. Arc Raiders is a third-person extraction shooter available on Steam and Epic, where players combat massive flying robots and navigate potential teammate betrayal while scavenging for gear. It features aggressive matchmaking and offers both PvE and PvP experiences, with optional seasonal gear wipes. Marathon, a first-person extraction shooter from Bungie, includes unique character classes with distinct abilities and fast-paced rounds. Players can quickly accumulate gear and have unlimited free loadouts, with a narrative enriched by colorful quest-givers. Escape from Duckov is a top-down extraction shooter where players control ducks on quests, offering easy mechanics, exploration, base building, and gear upgrades, making it suitable for newcomers. Hunt: Showdown is set in the Louisiana bayou, emphasizing stealth and strategic gameplay as players hunt bosses and contend with rival hunters, featuring a long-term progression system. Witchfire blends single-player gameplay with fast-paced action and inventive weapons, maintaining an engaging loop of resource gathering and upgrading, currently in Early Access. The Forever Winter is a third-person shooter set in an apocalyptic world, focusing on survival amidst towering mechs and tanks, still in Early Access with some performance challenges. The extraction shooter genre is diversifying, offering experiences for both casual gamers and seasoned veterans.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

I like Arc Raiders, but Marathon made me fall in love with extraction shooters

Many players of Destiny were intrigued yet uncertain about Marathon, which combines elements of an extraction shooter and a reboot of a classic Mac series. The game features an immersive gameplay experience set on the alien world of Tau Ceti IV, characterized by a tense atmosphere and engaging visuals. Players face challenges from the UESC and other Runners while navigating a cyberpunk-inspired environment. The gunplay mechanics are highly praised, offering impactful shooting experiences with strategic choices based on Shell class abilities. Marathon is available for .39 / £30.09 at Fanatical, providing a more economical option than Steam.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Tech Boss of Developer Sony Is Shutting Down Thinks PlayStation Has Pulled Back From PC in Response to Steam Machine

Sony has decided to keep its major single-player titles exclusive to the PlayStation 5, moving away from its previous strategy of expanding into the PC gaming market. This shift may be influenced by concerns over the PlayStation brand and disappointing sales of PlayStation titles on PC. The company has opted for a staggered release approach for its single-player titles on PC, while live service games are released on PC on day one. Upcoming titles like Ghost of Yotei and Marvel's Wolverine will remain exclusive to the PS5. The timeline for the release of Valve's Steam Machine is uncertain, with hints that it may not launch until 2027. Bluepoint Games, known for remakes, will be closing, affecting approximately 70 employees.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

The best FPS games of all time, from a PC gaming veteran

First-person shooters (FPS) have captivated gamers since the early 1990s, with influential titles shaping the genre. - Wolfenstein 3D: Developed by id Software, released on May 5, 1992, for PC (MS-DOS). It established core gameplay with real-time movement and first-person perspectives. - Quake: Developed by id Software, released on June 22, 1996, for PC (MS-DOS, Windows). It transitioned FPS from 2.5D to true 3D rendering, enhancing gameplay speed and introducing vertical aiming. - Half-Life: Developed by Valve, released on November 19, 1998, for PC (Windows, Linux, Mac). It integrated storytelling with gameplay, featuring a silent protagonist and advanced AI. - Counter-Strike 1.6: Developed by Valve, released in September 2003 for PC (Windows, Mac, Linux). Originally a mod for Half-Life, it emphasized teamwork and strategy in competitive gameplay. - Halo 2: Developed by Bungie, released on November 9, 2004, for Xbox and PC. It introduced new perspectives and moral complexities, with a strong online multiplayer experience. - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Developed by Infinity Ward, released on November 5, 2007, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It transformed military FPS with a cinematic approach and persistent progression in multiplayer. - Left 4 Dead: Developed by Valve, released on November 17, 2008, for PC and Xbox 360. It focused on cooperative gameplay against zombies, featuring a dynamic AI Director. - Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Developed by EA DICE, released on March 2, 2010, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It featured large-scale combat and destructible environments, emphasizing squad cooperation. Other notable FPS games include GoldenEye 007, Titanfall, and Bioshock, contributing to the genre's diversity and appeal.