Shooter Monthly #7: Marathon’s Collapse, Apex’s Comeback, & Disney’s Extraction Shooter

Marathon’s player numbers are collapsing, Apex Legends is surging again, and rumors suggest Disney may be entering the extraction shooter genre.In this episode, we break down:● Why Marathon’s retention and onboarding may be fundamentally broken● Whether Bungie can still save Marathon● How Arc Raiders became the first mainstream extraction shooter hit● Why extraction shooters still struggle with accessibility● The debate around wipes, PvP pressure, and economy design● Why Apex Legends is suddenly exploding again in DAU● How Apex keeps balancing casual and hardcore players● The hidden importance of movement and traversal in shooters● Why Apex’s live service design is still among the best in gaming● The rise of bots, softer matchmaking, and more accessible BR systems● Why Disney may be working on an extraction shooter● Whether sci-fi shooters are still too niche for mainstream success● Why the extraction shooter genre may still be in its early evolutionCHAPTERS:03:11 Marathon In Trouble06:30 Why Players Bounce08:23 Saving Marathon09:42 Onboarding Versus Difficulty11:08 Marketing Retention Reality15:32 Cryoarchive Endgame Explained17:01 Tarkov Side Project Reveal22:46 Arc Raiders Update Check27:21 Live Service Reengagement30:10 Why Arc Raiders Clicks31:44 Accessibility Push Needed33:23 Sandbox Health Ideas36:19 Apex Season Surge39:02 Movement and Progression42:33 Market Forces and China46:35 Bots and Softer BRs49:02 Disney Extraction Rumor50:35 Star Wars and Fortnite Link52:21 Wrapping Up