Sony has canceled all paid marketing efforts for Marathon this quarter, according to Colin Moriarty’s report on Sacred Symbols. This move comes as the game faces controversy over plagiarism and poor internal performance during its closed alpha. A delay is likely, with some speculating that it may be delayed until 2026.
The decision not to pursue paid marketing is considered unusual given the high profile of Marathon. The game’s development has been plagued by issues such as unbalanced gameplay and limited accessibility, raising concerns about its viability. The recent plagiarism scandal further damages the game’s reputation.
Sony’s move suggests that they are reassessing their plans for the game, which may involve a delay to polish and improve the title. With significant investment made in Marathon, cancellation would be highly unlikely. However, the company has already suffered live service failures, including Concord, making a similar mistake possible.
Delaying the game allows Sony to reset the narrative and make necessary adjustments before its release. The current marketing hold suggests that the launch is pushed back indefinitely, with some speculating it may not happen until 2026.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/05/25/marathon-isnt-canceled-but-its-bad-we-even-have-to-ask-that