Boy, this is awkward: Sony drops the first Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest directly on top of the Marathon server slam this weekend
PC Gamer
by Andy Chalk February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sony's decision to release the Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest during the same weekend as Bungie's highly anticipated Marathon server slam has sparked confusion and intrigue in the gaming community. While both events are playtests, they serve different purposes: Horizon's is a small-scale closed test aimed at shaping development, while Marathon is an open server stress test for Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter. The overlapping timing raises questions about whether one or both events might be overshadowed.
The Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest will run from February 27 to March 1, offering selected players the chance to try out three characters—Sun, Ram, and Axle—in two modes: Machine Incursion, a wave-based survival challenge, and Cauldron Descent, a multi-stage dungeon with dynamic obstacles. This follows months of anticipation for the co-op action game, which was officially announced earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the Marathon server slam is set to begin on February 26, open to all players via Steam. As Bungie's fate likely hinges on the success of their new game, the timing of Sony's playtest has left some wondering if the spotlight might be divided. Despite targeting different audiences and purposes, the simultaneous release feels like a missed opportunity for both parties.
For gamers, this overlapping event highlights the fast-paced nature of gaming releases and the challenges of coordinating promotional efforts. While there may not be significant audience overlap between the two games, the decision to schedule these playtests back-to-back is notable. It underscores the importance of strategic timing in the highly competitive world of gaming, where every detail can impact a game's visibility and success.
Ultimately, this situation offers insight into the complexities of coordinating major gaming events. While Horizon Hunters Gathering and Marathon cater to different genres and player bases, their overlapping release dates create an interesting dynamic that could be worth monitoring for fans of both games. As 2026 shapes up as a big year for gaming, this is just one example of how the industry's rapid pace can lead to unexpected twists.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/24/2026