Microsoft won’t launch Halo Infinite alongside the Xbox Series X later this year. 343 Industries announced that the game which was originally set to release this holiday season is now pushed back to 2021. There is no news on a new release date or window at this time.
According to studio boss Chris Lee, the delay is due to multiple factors including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Chris explains that the wellbeing of his staff is important to the game’s success. However, the extra time allows 343 Industries to finish the work necessary to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever made.
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Halo Infinite Development Update pic.twitter.com/TFZvXhRN9f
— Halo (@Halo) August 11, 2020
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”Chris Lee, Studio Head, Halo Infinite” link=”” color=”#2FF59B” class=”” size=”21″]
Today I want to share an important Halo Infinite development update with the community. We have made the difficult decision to shift our release to 2021 to ensure the team has adequate time to deliver a Halo game experience that meets our vision.
The decision to shift our release is the result of multiple factors that have contributed to development challenges, including the ongoing COVID-related impacts affecting us all this year. I want to acknowledge the hard work from our team at 343 Industries, who have remained committed to making a great game and finding solutions to development challenges. However, it is not sustainable for the well-being of our team or the overall success of the game to ship it this holiday.
We know this will be disappointing to many of you and we all share in that sentiment. The passion and support the community has shown over the years have been incredible and inspiring. We wanted nothing more than to play our game with the community this holiday. The extra time will let us finish the critical work necessary to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever at the quality we know our fans expect.
Thank you for your support and understanding,
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This delay comes as no surprise. While the COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt caused issues, the main reason for this delay is definitely the game’s state. During the reveal last month, fans saw a mediocre-looking shooter with dated visuals and clunky-looking gameplay. I say let 343 Industries take all the time they need to fix this game. However, this now leaves the Xbox Series X without a major launch title. There is still time before the console launches later this year. Microsoft may have a trick up its sleeve.