The gaming industry knows now thatHalo Infinite, long considered the biggest game release coinciding with the launch of the next generation of consoles, has been delayed. Perhaps due to criticism followingHalo Infinite’s gameplay debut, or perhaps due to internal development issues, Xbox and 343 decided that a 2021 launch would be to the game’s benefit. If it sounds like a last resort decision, that’s because it was. Phil Spencer recently explained how the team evaluated a variety of different options before ultimately choosing to delayHalo Infinite.
Speaking with Gary Whitta on his Animal Talking show, Spencer shared some information regarding the process of deciding on theHalo Infinitedelay. The team considered all options, in what Spencer described as a 24-hour deliberation with 343 studio leadership. For example, the team even considered releasing the game in multiple parts. As such, at least a portion ofHalo Infinitewould be available for the Xbox Series X launch this holiday. The team, clearly, must have decided that wasn’t for the best.
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The reason why releasingHalo Infinitein multiple parts was even considered should be self-evident.Halo Infinite, regardless of the criticism surrounding it, is a major game release. It would have improved sales of the Xbox Series X dramatically. Also key is the fact that Microsoft has a ton ofadvertising partnerships tied toHalo Infinite. Delaying the game means risking those partnerships and damaging opportunities in the future. DelayingHalo Infinitemay have been the right thing to do, but it’s certain to cost Microsoft a lot.
Spencer didn’t elaborate on what shippingHalo Infinitein parts really means, so it’s hard to evaluate whether it would have been a feasible solution. For example, delaying the campaign while shippingHalo Infinite’s free-to-play multiplayercould likely have worked. The multiplayer being key to getting Xbox users embedded in the platform early on. But perhaps they were considering releasing the single-player campaign in parts, instead, which very likely would not have been received well.
It’s not a good situation for any party involved and Spencer realizes that. In the interview, he says clearly that, “We’re disappointed.” Adding that, “we know it was something people were looking forward to this year.” For Spencer, and for the team, however, releasing a “great game” is the priority.343 has previously apologizedfor the delay, as well.
LaunchingHalo Infinitealongside the release of the Xbox Series X wouldn’t have resulted in a “Halo release that we would want” according to Spencer. Apparently, releasing the game in parts wouldn’t have been acceptable either. WhenHalo Infinitedoes launch in 2021, it’ll be the game that 343, Xbox, and hopefully fans all want it to be.
Halo Infinitereleases in 2021 on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
