Marathon Deluxe Edition discount offers free-trial players bonuses without the full game, confusion ensues

Some confusion around Marathon's Deluxe edition appears to be popping up, as a discounted deluxe edition version of the game bought by many PlayStation users does not actually include the full game.

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. As such, if they wish to continue playing Marathon after the trial, they'll have to buy the full version of the game on top of the deluxe package. Oops.

This is doubtless a strange situtation. However, the apparent reason this had to be added is because of a quirk of the PlayStation store. If you owned the free trial, it looks as though the PlayStation store saw the it as the full game. This enabled a discounted deluxe edition upgrade for Marathon to become available to these players.

They would be able to enjoy the deluxe edition benefits - including cosmetics, a premium seasonal pass, and some premium currency - throughout the duration of the free trial. However, their access would be cut off once the trial ends. Therein lies the problem: a much-needed second wave of players who otherwise may be enjoying the game may have found themselves at the centre of a bit of a technical hiccup.

This comes after Marathon suffered a lengthy period of maintenance on the first day of season two. 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.