Bungie Seeks Analyst for Marathon Ahead of 2025 Release

Bungie is gearing up for the release of its highly anticipated game, Marathon, which is slated for 2025. While the game has not yet been released, there is a growing sense of optimism around its potential. However, Bungie understands that the key to Marathon’s success lies in one major factor—creating a game that players actually want to spend time with. And while Marathon will likely draw from Bungie’s legacy of success with games like Destiny and Halo, the studio is looking to expand its horizons by drawing inspiration from other shooters as well.

To this end, Bungie is seeking a Gameplay Analyst for Marathon, and the role comes with specific requirements. The position, first highlighted by Destiny Tracker, is tailored to individuals who have substantial experience with a variety of shooter games, including those in the extraction shooter sub-genre, as well as battle royales and tactical shooters. It’s clear that Bungie wants to ensure that Marathon stands out in a crowded market, and to do that, they’re bringing in someone with a diverse skill set.

The job listing outlines a few key qualifications for applicants. First, Bungie expects the candidate to have a strong understanding of both micro and macro decisions in first-person shooters (FPS). These decisions are critical to shaping gameplay, as they influence everything from movement and weapon choice to team dynamics and strategy. More specifically, the company wants someone who is well-versed in extraction shooters—a genre that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Applicants must also meet certain gaming experience requirements, such as having at least 200 hours of playtime in Escape from Tarkov or a similar title. Escape from Tarkov is one of the most well-known extraction shooters, and its challenging gameplay has garnered a loyal following. The game is known for its hardcore mechanics and the need for players to carefully strategize in order to secure valuable loot and successfully extract from the map. This experience will be vital for any candidate who wishes to help shape the core mechanics of Marathon, as the game’s foundation is based on similar principles.

In addition to the extraction shooter experience, applicants must actively participate in ranked modes in other popular games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, or Rainbow Six Siege. These titles represent the variety of gameplay Bungie is aiming for with Marathon, from battle royale to tactical shooters. The inclusion of these games as requirements suggests that Bungie is looking for someone who can blend different gameplay elements to create a unique experience for Marathon players.

For Marathon, Bungie has described its hero system as being similar to Apex Legends or Rainbow Six Siege. The game will feature different characters with unique abilities, much like those found in other modern shooters. However, Bungie is taking a slightly different approach by incorporating elements such as found loot and customizable characters. This hybridization of different elements will require a Gameplay Analyst who is capable of assessing how these mechanics work together and ensuring that they complement each other to create an engaging and balanced experience.

While the opportunity to work on a high-profile game like Marathon might sound like a dream job for many gamers, it’s important to exercise caution when applying. Bungie has faced criticism in the past for underpaying employees who were fans of the games they worked on. Don McGowan, Bungie’s former Head Counsel, has spoken out about how the company took advantage of its fanbase by offering lower salaries to employees who were passionate about the games they were working on. In fact, McGowan admitted that Bungie hired fans who were willing to work for less money, taking advantage of their love for the game.

For those considering the Gameplay Analyst position, it’s crucial to ensure that the compensation aligns with the work that will be expected. The pay for this position is listed between $71,000 and $81,000, based on the Bellevue, Washington, rate, which is a high-cost area in the Seattle region where Bungie is located. However, Bungie notes that the pay may be adjusted for remote workers depending on the local market. While this pay range might seem reasonable, candidates should be aware of potential discrepancies between the company’s expectations and their own worth. Given that this position will play an integral role in ensuring Marathon delivers a high-quality experience, it’s important to ensure that compensation reflects the responsibilities of the role.

Marathon is shaping up to be a bold move for Bungie, with the studio betting big on the success of the extraction shooter genre. The financial investment in the game is significant, and Bungie is hopeful that it will be able to capture the same kind of magic that has made Destiny such a successful franchise. However, the question remains: Does the market need another big extraction shooter, or is Escape from Tarkov already the dominant force in the genre?

Given Bungie’s established track record of creating engaging and successful titles, the studio is certainly well-positioned to compete. However, the success of Marathon will ultimately depend on whether players are ready for a new entry into the extraction shooter space. With the 2025 release date fast approaching, the pressure is on Bungie to deliver. Whether Marathon can carve out its place in a competitive market remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bungie is betting big, and it’s all hands on deck to make it happen.