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

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/deconstructor-of-fun-223878/shooter-monthly-7-marathon-s-collapse-apex-s-comeback-disney-s-extraction-shooter
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/deconstructor-of-fun-223878/shooter-monthly-7-marathon-s-collapse-apex-s-comeback-disney-s-extraction-shooter.md
Podcast: [Deconstructor of Fun](https://stenobird.com/podcast/deconstructor-of-fun-223878)
Published: 2026-05-20T10:59:37+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/deconstructoroffun/episodes/Shooter-Monthly-7-Marathons-Collapse--Apexs-Comeback---Disneys-Extraction-Shooter-e3jku9t
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/500026c/podcast/play/120272637/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-4-20%2F424532306-44100-2-04a59be9e659c.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/deconstructor-of-fun-223878/episodes/shooter-monthly-7-marathon-s-collapse-apex-s-comeback-disney-s-extraction-shooter
Duration seconds: 3195

## Resource

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 evolution CHAPTERS: 03:11 Marathon In Trouble 06:30 Why Players Bounce 08:23 Saving Marathon 09:42 Onboarding Versus Difficulty 11:08 Marketing Retention Reality 15:32 Cryoarchive Endgame Explained 17:01 Tarkov Side Project Reveal 22:46 Arc Raiders Update Check 27:21 Live Service Reengagement 30:10 Why Arc Raiders Clicks 31:44 Accessibility Push Needed 33:23 Sandbox Health Ideas 36:19 Apex Season Surge 39:02 Movement and Progression 42:33 Market Forces and China 46:35 Bots and Softer BRs 49:02 Disney Extraction Rumor 50:35 Star Wars and Fortnite Link 52:21 Wrapping Up

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## Transcript

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