While originally slated as an important launch title for the Xbox Series X in November, Microsoft and 343 Industries have announced that Halo Infinite has been delayed into 2021.
In a statement released on Twitter, Chris Lee, studio head at 343 Industries, stated the following:
We made the difficult decision to shift our release to 2021 to ensure the team has adequate time to deliver a Halo game experience that metes 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. It is not sustainable for the well-being of our team or the overall success of the game to ship it his holiday.
Halo Infinite Development Update pic.twitter.com/TFZvXhRN9f
— Halo (@Halo) August 11, 2020
Halo Infinite was first announced with a teaser trailer in E3 2018. We didn’t get our first glimpse of actual gameplay until last month, however, during the Xbox Games Showcase. Reception from fans and critics was very mixed, leading to 343 Industries to respond with a lengthy blog post, including addressing the graphics and art style:
We do have work to do to address some of these areas and raise the level of fidelity and overall presentation for the final game. While some of the feedback was expected and speaks to areas already in progress, other aspects of the feedback have brought new opportunities and considerations to light that the team is taking very seriously and working to assess.
A release date for Halo Infinite has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, Microsoft confirmed the Xbox Series X is launching this November.
