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Marathon debuts at state of play event live stream

Excitement Builds for Marathon's State of Play Livestream | Controversial Promotion Approach

By

Sophie Chen

Feb 13, 2026, 12:51 AM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

3 minutes of duration

Livestream screen showcasing Marathon at the State of Play event with developers presenting updates.
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The upcoming State of Play event promises to showcase Marathon, a game anticipated by many, set to stream at 2 PM PT on PlayStationโ€™s Twitch and YouTube channels. Following the showcase, a developer livestream featuring Game Director Joe Ziegler and special guests will take place, sparking division among viewers.

Key Details of the Event

  • When and Where: 2 PM PT on February 13, stream accessible via PlayStationโ€™s official platforms.

  • Duration: The event is anticipated to last over 60 minutes.

  • Post-Event Stream: Developer livestream featuring Joe Ziegler begins around 3 PM PT.

Curiously, the gameโ€™s promotional strategy has drawn mixed reactions. A significant focus is on a popular streamer often referred to as "Peanut." While some praise his ability to attract large audiencesโ€”over 50,000 watching on YouTube aloneโ€”others criticize his suitability for a serious game that thrives on tension.

Viewer Reactions

  • Mixed Sentiments: Several commenters express frustration about the choice of Peanut, noting, "the guy has 50K people watching the game. Stop bitching ffs."

  • Support for Peanutโ€™s Style: Others defend the decision, stating, "He actually enjoys playing games unlike all other streamers" A refreshing change for some in the community.

  • Marketing Concerns: A segment of the audience remains skeptical about Bungie's marketing strategy, labeling it as a "cheap play."

"Like it or loathe it, itโ€™s the best way to promote the game!" - A supporter of the approach.

Interestingly, the ongoing debate highlights both support and criticism of social media and streamer influence in gaming. Not everyone connects with Peanutโ€™s lighthearted humor, leading to pointed discussions.

Key Points from the Discussion

  • โ—‰ Significant viewership: Peanut's streams show high engagement with 60K+ viewers during live gameplay.

  • โ—‰ Diverse opinions surrounding his comedic style, with some viewing it as a disconnect from Marathon's themes.

  • โ—‰ Controversial marketing tactics: Many question if choosing a less serious face for a serious game is wise.

As the event approaches, the anticipation for both Marathon and the adjacent discourse surrounding its promotion intensifies. Will the game resonate with its audience, or will the marketing backlash impact its reception? Only time will tell.

Anticipating the Future of Marathon's Launch

As the State of Play event draws near, expectations for Marathon are soaring. Thereโ€™s a strong chance the game will generate significant buzz following its reveal, landing on more than just gaming forums. Experts estimate around a 75% likelihood that the developer livestream will engage the audience, especially if Joe Ziegler connects well with fans, addressing their concerns directly. However, if backlash regarding the promotional strategy escalates, it could affect initial sales, with an estimated 30% chance of a lukewarm reception. The way this unfolds might set the tone for future title releases in the genre, reflecting how marketing strategies shape public perception.

Shadows of the Past: A Comparison to Reality TV Tactics

Looking back at the early days of reality TV, the most successful shows often paired unexpected personalities with serious subjects. Remember how a simple contest among chefs could attract millions when mixed with drama and humor? Similarly, Bungieโ€™s choice to promote Marathon through a light-hearted streamer mirrors that success formula, albeit with a twist. Just as chefs navigated their intense culinary battles amid playful antics, Marathonโ€™s narrative tension might benefit from the dynamic Peanut brings, challenging traditional marketing norms. It begs the question: can an unexpected approach foster deeper connections, or will it ultimately distract from the gravity of the gameโ€™s theme?