Bungie Confirms No Proximity Chat in Marathon, Despite Emphasis on Social Gameplay

Bungie has confirmed that its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, will not include proximity chat at launch. This is especially notable given that developers have been describing the game as a “social extraction experience.”

In a new interview with PC Gamer, Game Director Joe Ziegler explained the reasoning behind the exclusion. The team is committed to fostering a safe online environment and doesn't yet have a solution for the toxicity that can arise from proximity-based voice communication.

"Because we're so dedicated to making sure that we're creating a safe space where we don't have players just flaming each other or doing terrible things to one another, I think we're not ready to invest in prox chat until we have a solution," said Ziegler.

This follows Ziegler’s earlier remarks in an interview with Jake Lucky, where he described Marathon as “more of a social extraction experience.” He highlighted systems designed to promote teamwork and shared objectives—such as respawning allies and using "data cards" to extract rewards cooperatively as a squad.

The Proximity Chat Debate

The contradiction between Bungie’s “social” goals and the removal of a key social mechanic—proximity chat—has raised eyebrows. In extraction shooters, prox chat is often a defining feature. It enables real-time voice communication between nearby players, allowing for tense negotiations, betrayals, humorous roleplay, and unpredictable interactions that elevate immersion.

Critics have pointed to other games in the genre like Escape From Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown, which successfully offer optional proximity chat, giving players the freedom to opt out or mute toxic users while preserving the feature for those who enjoy it. Many argue that in-game reporting tools and moderation systems could address toxicity without needing to eliminate prox chat altogether.

Could Proximity Chat Still Return?

Ziegler hasn’t completely ruled out proximity chat in Marathon’s future.

"Like, if it was magical and we could somehow come up with that solution, I think we totally would do it. But right now, it is a challenge that many companies are trying to figure out," he noted.

Marathon is scheduled to launch on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC on September 23, 2025. While it promises to deliver team-based gameplay and a fresh take on extraction shooter dynamics, the absence of proximity chat might shape a different kind of “social” experience—one built around structured interactions rather than spontaneous player encounters.