Can Marathon Find an Audience? A Deep Dive into the Game’s Prospects
As the gaming world eagerly awaits the release of Marathon, the latest title from Bungie, the question on everyone’s mind is: can it find an audience? In this article, Paul Tassi delves into the various options and trends that will determine the game’s success.
The Destiny Connection
For many, the first thought is the connection to Destiny, Bungie’s flagship franchise. While some dedicated Destiny PvP players may find similarities between the two games, the PvE side of Destiny has little to offer in Marathon. The game’s extraction shooter genre is a significant departure from the looter shooter formula that fans of the series are accustomed to. As a result, it’s unlikely that most Destiny players will stick with the game long-term.
Tarkov and Apex Legends
Two other games that come into play are Tarkov and Apex Legends. Tarkov, an extraction shooter with a dedicated player base, may be a tough nut to crack for Marathon. With a loyal following and a stable player base, it’s hard to see Bungie pulling players away from this game. Apex Legends, on the other hand, has a declining player base, making it a potential target for Marathon to harvest some players.
Shooter Streamers and Their Audiences
The influence of shooter streamers and their audiences cannot be overstated. With a big new shooter launch from Bungie, we can expect a huge paid campaign from Sony and Bungie to get influencers to play the game. Additionally, streamers and YouTubers will likely play the game simply because it’s the current big thing in the multiplayer market. If the game gets hyped up enough, audiences may listen to those they follow and give it a shot themselves.
The Challenges Ahead
In conclusion, carving out a brand new audience in this day and age is a tough task for any multiplayer shooter. Marathon faces stiff competition from established games like Tarkov and Apex Legends, and even those that have managed to find success still need staying power. It’s a difficult situation, but with the right marketing and hype, Marathon can still be a hit.
Actionable Insights
- Bungie needs to focus on attracting new players, rather than cannibalizing the Destiny player base.
- The game’s extraction shooter genre is a significant departure from the looter shooter formula, and may not appeal to all Destiny fans.
- Shooter streamers and their audiences will play a crucial role in promoting the game and attracting new players.
- The game’s success will depend on its ability to find an audience and stay relevant in a crowded market.
Summary
Marathon, the latest title from Bungie, faces a tough road ahead in finding an audience. While it may attract some dedicated Destiny PvP players and shooter streamers, it will need to overcome stiff competition from established games like Tarkov and Apex Legends. With the right marketing and hype, however, Marathon can still be a hit.