Full Breakdown
PlayStation Store Pricing Glitch Sparks Deluxe Edition Confusion for Marathon
6/7/2026, 12:16:39 PM
Core Issue: Misleading Deluxe Edition Pricing on PlayStation
During Marathon’s free-to-play week, PlayStation Store displayed a “Deluxe Edition” upgrade for $14. The upgrade delivered only cosmetic items and did not include the base game, because the store treated the free trial as ownership of the full title and calculated the price difference accordingly.
Background & Context
Bungie launched Marathon’s free-to-play window in early June to attract players as it winds down Destiny 2. The promotion initially drew about 40,000 Steam users on June 2, but server instability forced emergency maintenance and delayed Season 2’s start.
Timeline
- June 2: Free week begins; ~40,000 Steam players.
- Early June: Server issues trigger emergency maintenance.
- Mid-June: PlayStation Store shows $14 deluxe upgrade after trial added.
- June 8: Bungie extends free window to June 11 and adds free in-game currency.
- June 9-10: Players report receiving only cosmetics.
Data & Statistics
The deluxe edition listed at $41.99 before the trial, then appeared as $14 after the trial was added. The free-to-play window now runs through June 11, and Bungie provided a modest amount of free in-game currency.
Official Statements & Responses
Bungie announced on social media that the free-to-play period would be extended to June 11 and that all players would receive free in-game currency to offset recent frustrations.
Criticism & Opposition
Players and commentators called the PlayStation Store pricing display misleading, noting that the $14 charge for a “Deluxe Edition” without the base game could deter new adopters and further damage Marathon’s launch momentum.
On-the-Ground Reports
PlayStation users who purchased the $14 upgrade reported receiving only cosmetic items and having to buy the full game separately to continue after the trial.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both articles attribute the issue to a PlayStation Store quirk; Sony has not issued a public comment, leaving an official clarification absent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Players enjoying Bungie's advertised free week of Marathon were offered what appeared to be the deluxe edition of the game for just $14, only to find out that what they really purchased was nothing but a cosmetics bundle.” — Engadget reporter
- “The player is then shown the difference in price compared to the base edition as if they had paid full price for it, but paying that $14 difference only gives you the extra cosmetic content.” — Engadget reporter
- “This discounted deluxe edition has had its game and legal page updated to emphasize the fact that buyers wouldn't get a copy of Marathon's base game post-trial; just the deluxe edition perks.” — Eurogamer reporter
- “Bungie has attempted to soothe frustrations, extending the free trial for the game and giving players a little bit of free in-game currency, but controversies like this will do little to help a game that hasn't seen the launch numbers it was likely expecting.” — Eurogamer reporter
What’s Next
Bungie will monitor player feedback through June 11 and may seek further dialogue with Sony to correct the PlayStation Store listing.
