Yes that's why it objectively has more depth than Arc Raiders, runs at a higher tickrate than Arc, has more stricter anti-cheat measures, has a steeper learning curve (more niche audience) a daring and non-mainstream art style, etc.
I mean dislike Marathon all you want, it's perfectly fine if you don't like it. I enjoy both games myself for different reasons. But this whole narrative that is being spun around Marathon is delusional to say the least.
From what I've played the game isn't bad. It does have fun gun play.
Having said that it's not exactly standing out. It's not breaking the mould.
Art-style boils down the preference to the audience. Personally I find it uninspiring and some what larceny-esk.
How do you mean it has a steeper learning curve? In an EVE online sense or just git gd son?
If you believe that it will attract a more niche audience. Then that isn't a good thing. Bungie needs to make bank with this.
It's not some small indie dev.
Destiny 2 had cheaters. Marathon will have cheaters.
That's the nature of the beast.
I don't think the game game will die overnight like Concord but I don't see it having a future past a year.
Dragon Age Veilguard top of the charts and owning the chuds! Reality it sold half of what they were expecting. So if you can be a failure being number one I wouldn't brag too much for being number three