The Server Slam event for Marathon commenced yesterday and saw a significant influx of players on Steam. Within the last 24 hours, the game reached an impressive peak of 143,621 concurrent players exclusively on the PC platform.

The Marathon Server Slam marks the final public beta of Bungie’s sci-fi extraction shooter prior to its release on March 5th. This event is open for anyone interested, allowing them to download and experience the game for free. It’s accessible not only on Steam but also on PlayStation and Xbox. While the initial player count is noteworthy, it represents just a fraction of the overall interest in the Server Slam.

For reference, the last public beta for Arc Raiders also exceeded the 100,000 concurrent player threshold shortly after its launch, setting an all-time peak at 189,668. Those analyzing these statistics as indicators of success are hopeful that Marathon can surpass Arc Raiders’ peak numbers by an additional 40,000 or so throughout the weekend.

Comparisons between the two games are inevitable. While Arc Raiders is not the first extraction shooter to gain attention, it certainly helped elevate the subgenre’s profile following its release last year. Its popularity has opened opportunities for other extraction shooters to engage with a dedicated player base. Despite facing various challenges during its development, Marathon seems poised to achieve similar success.

Early feedback from the community appears to be encouraging. The game showcases the trademark quality of Bungie’s gunplay, and while its aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, it has captivated many players. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the game over the weekend, and if you’re curious, jump in to see what the excitement is about. The Server Slam concludes on March 2nd.