Sony Admits Marathon’s Launch Is Risky Because Its Live Service

Expert Verified By

Sony Has Already Factored Failure Into Expectations.

Story Highlight
  • In the latest earnings call, Sony CEO Hiriko Totoki clarified that Marathon’s launch is risky because it is a live service entry. 
  • Therefore, Sony is already factoring in risks and losses regarding how well the game performs after launch.
  • The leadership does not appear optimistic, a stance also reflected by players and Bungie in past developments.

Since the original director for Marathon left Bungie last year, reports suggested that the game’s development was not going well. The official reveal further sullied the negative narrative as the footage was slammed with dislikes and criticisms. 

Now, after Bungie showed concern with Marathon’s negative reception, it appears that even Sony believes its launch won’t be a walk in the park. The company CEO, Hiriko Totoki, is already factoring in failures into expectations only because Marathon is a live-service entry. 

Why it matters: Sony’s lack of optimism about Marathon’s launch paints a grim picture regarding its future.

marathon bungie
The current narrative around Marathon in the gaming scene is mixed at best. 

In the earnings call for FY 2024-2025, Sony CEO Hiriko says that Marathon, being a multiplayer title, could impact its performance after launch. The pessimistic wording makes sense considering Sony’s mixed performance with the live service genre so far this generation.

Regarding Marathon, there is a little risk, due to it being multiplayer, but we have factored that into our expectations.

On one hand, Sony shattered everyone’s expectations by publishing Helldivers 2. However, the colossal Concord flop and multiple live-service cancellations over the last few years have given Sony more grounded expectations for Bungie’s Marathon. 

It also doesn’t help that many Marathon IP aficionados believe the new live-service game will flop like Concord instead of achieving moderate success

Marathon
Many gamers are already upset by Marathon’s art style and other gameplay elements. 

Like almost all gamers, not even Sony argues that Marathon will be the next big PlayStation live-service hit like Helldivers 2. However, the firm expects the title to help grow the SIE business group like other upcoming titles.

Do you think Bungie’s upcoming Marathon will fail like Concord because of the mixed player reception? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Was our article helpful? 👨‍💻

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔

Gear Up For Latest News

Get exclusive gaming & tech news before it drops. Sign up today!

Join Our Community

Still having issues? Join the Tech4Gamers Forum for expert help and community support!

Latest News

Join Our Community

104,000FansLike
32,122FollowersFollow

Trending

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sets Record As The Most-Nominated Game in TGA History

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 makes history at The Game Awards 2025 by becoming the most nominated game in the event's history.

Sony Tops Game Awards 2025 As Most Nominated Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment has come out on top as the industry's top publisher by Game Awards nominations this year.

Game of The Year Nominees Officially Unveiled For The Game Awards 2025

The Game Awards has officially unveiled the Game of the Year 2025 nominees, led by Expedition 33, Death Stranding, and more.

Capcom Forecasts Stronger Launch Sales For Resident Evil Requiem Than Resident Evil Village

Capcom has announced that it expects Resident Evil Requiem to outperform the release of Resident Evil Village.

Capcom Assures Fans Resident Evil Requiem Won’t Suffer From Technical Issues

Capcom has attempted to reassure fans by stating that Resident Evil Requiem won't face the same technical problems as Monster Hunter Wilds.