Destiny 2 has 10x more players than Marathon despite service end
Bungie has consistently delivered action-packed experiences to gamers, but the current landscape reveals a fascinating tension between innovative new releases and established giants.
Their latest entry, the first-person shooter Marathon, arrived in early 2026 with considerable fanfare. It quickly garnered positive reception, earning a ‘Mostly Positive’ rating on Steam and securing an impressive 8/10 from reviewers. It certainly succeeded in its own right, proving that Bungie is still capable of crafting highly acclaimed games.
Yet, this moment of success is immediately overshadowed by the dominance of their flagship title. Despite the critical buzz surrounding Marathon, the studio’s undisputed golden child, Destiny 2, continues to dominate the scene in terms of player engagement and concurrent player count.
It presents a classic case study in game development: how does a studio balance the creative risks of launching new IPs against the massive, loyal base they have cultivated over time? While new games grab headlines with their novelty, established franchises often maintain a powerful gravitational pull over their audience.
The shift highlights a key dynamic in the competitive world of gaming—the enduring power of legacy versus the momentum of the new. As audiences assess their next move, the continued success of Destiny 2 sets an incredibly high benchmark for any ambitious new title attempting to compete for attention. The question is no longer just about quality, but about sustained influence in a crowded market.
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