Plenty of fans were disappointed this August when they learned that Xbox’s biggest launch game was delayed.Halo Infinitewas meant to launch alongside the Xbox Series X/S on November 10, but was instead delayed indefinitely in 2021. Citing development issues, alongside the hugely detrimental Covid-19 pandemic impacting developers, 343 Industries made the decision “to deliver aHalogame experience that meets our vision.” Many were shocked by the unprecedented announcement, with some hastily blaming the free-to-play multiplayer mode’s development or even theHaloTV Show that’s in production.
Microsoft and 343 Industries were quick to disprove any rumors flying about whyHalo Infinitewas delayed, and then things went quiet. Since then, with only a few rumors popping up since, news onHalo Infinitehas been sparse. Turnover with the game’s former director Chris Lee, alongside the addition ofHalodevelopment veteran Joseph Staten, was deemed an indication by many thatHalo Infinitewas much further off than anticipated. Considering the game was due out in November of 2020, many figured the game would only be delayed a few months. However, regardless of how delayedInfiniteis, 343 Industries doesn’t need to rush the game out by any means.
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The Inherent Pressure on Halo Infinite’s Development
Now that the game’s been delayed, there’s undoubtedly an inherent and unfair pressure being placed on 343 Industries to come out the door swinging withHalo Infinite. Even if that pressure isn’t being placed on them by Microsoft or Xbox, fan expectations are a constant guillotine over any studio that has to delay.Cyberpunk 2077is having that particular issue right now, to the point ofsomeCyberpunkdevelopers receiving death threats.Halo Infinite, at least from a PR standpoint, has been basically MIA since the game’s delay in August.Halofans are going to want to see the fruits of the development team’s labor in the wake of the game’s delay.
Now, to be fair, therehaven’t been as many vitriolic responses toHalo Infinite’s delay, unlikeCyberpunk 2077’s numerous delays. The response toHalo Infinite’s delay was mostly positive, with many sharing hope of what’s to come. There’s plenty of evidence out there that indicatesHalo Infinitewas meant to be the big ticket exclusive for Xbox Series X/S at launch, which means delaying the game likely wasn’t a decision made lightly. However, theHalofranchise still holds this level of pedigree among fans, even if the delay hurts. WheneverHalo Infinitedoes reveal itself again, it should certainly make that splash, but it doesn’t necessarily have to happen right away.
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Halo Infinite Can Take its Time
There is merit to the sentiment thatHaloInfinitewill need to return in a really big way, but that doesn’t necessarily need to happen right away. The game’s indefinite delay into 2021 means 343 Industries is clearly dedicated to improving and refining the experience as much as possible before it’s released. If that takes 343 Industries a year-long delay to finalize and perfectHalo Infinite, then so be it.Halofans have waited a long time for another entry, especially since several of them were disappointed byHalo 5’s new direction. If it’s another year at most, or arguably even longer, the wait will be worth it for the next entry in the franchise.
Especially considering whatHalo Infiniteis proposing, it seems like a solid balance between a new direction, and a proper return to roots. Gone are the iron sights and dashing movement ofHalo 5, with the grappling hook being the only movement gimmick shown off so far. The art direction and environmental design seem to be harkening back to the sense of wonderHalo: Combat Evolvedhad in its campaign. Plus, fans of theHalo Warsgames and the extendedHalonarrative universe will see plenty of interesting nods to existing lore heading intoInfinite’s new story.Halo Infinitehas a lot going for it, so if 343 takes its time with it, that’s understandable.
Eventually players will get their hands on the next entry at some point in 2021. 343 Industries has yet to set a firm release date next year, and some have theorized that recent management changes may be hinting at a much longer delay than expected. IfHalo Infinitewas delayed until fall of 2021, it wouldn’t drastically affect that game’s sales performance, even if it’s not launching alongside the new Xbox console.Halois Xbox’s flagship franchise; there’s a high likelihood anyone who already owns an Xbox Series X/S, or will be getting one next year, is going to getHalo Infiniteas well.
Halo Infiniteis planned to release in 2021 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
