Marathon Developers to Tap into Nostalgia for the 90s and 00s
Bungie's Global Franchise Director, Philip Asher, has revealed the key sources of inspiration for the visual style of the game Marathon. According to him, the design is rooted in the team's deep appreciation for the era of the 90s and early 2000s. The developers consciously turned to the aesthetics of that time, aiming to reinterpret it in a modern context.
The visual language of Marathon was particularly influenced by the cult classic racing simulator Wipeout, released in 1995. Its futuristic styling and bold use of color set the tone for many artistic decisions in the new game. Additionally, the team drew inspiration from PlayStation advertising materials of those years. Graphic techniques characteristic of that era—contrasting color combinations, dynamic compositions, and a technological ambiance—are reflected in Marathon's overall visual mood.
A significant detail of gaming hardware also received attention: the translucent DualShock controllers. Their aesthetic, which combines technological sophistication and ergonomics, served as a starting point for developing certain interface elements and visual effects.
Philip Asher emphasized that the team's main goal is not simply to reproduce retro styling, but to organically weave it into the modern gaming experience. The developers aim to preserve the spirit of the era while utilizing contemporary technologies and design solutions. This approach, in their vision, will allow players to feel the nostalgic atmosphere of the 90s and 00s, but in a refreshed, technologically advanced format.