Halo Infinite has been confirmed by Microsoft to be delayed until 2021 because the game needs extra time in development, though to help soften the blow some Microsoft also released a blog post confirming that the Xbox Series X will launch in November of this year.
Halo Infinite was on the receiving end of a lot of criticism for the visuals at the recent Xbox event, although much of this could be blamed at Microsoft showing an earlier version of the title running. However, despite this, the team agreed that the game needed extra work, and this (along with the current Covid situation) has lead Microsoft and 343 Industries to delaying the game until 2021.
Halo Infinite Development Update pic.twitter.com/TFZvXhRN9f
— Halo (@Halo) August 11, 2020
From a personal standpoint, I think Microsoft has done the right thing. Yes, doing this certainly cost Microsoft a battle in the PR war with Sony, but ultimately if Halo Infinite launched to either be a buggy mess or have severe visual problems it would only serve to harm both the Xbox brand and frustrate fans who bought the game at launch.
In an official blog post, Microsoft pushed the Xbox was coming in November, but didn’t give a specific date and also, of course, highlighted the benefits of the console including game pass, hardware-based ray tracing, quick resume, faster loading times and up to 120FPS.
Further to this, games such as the Medium were pushed, but the exact release date wasn’t revealed, which leaves questions as to what will be available on store shelves for the Xbox Series X.
“More than 50 new games planned for this year across generations and optimized for Xbox Series X, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Dirt 5, Gears Tactics, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Watch Dogs: Legion.
With Smart Delivery you only have to buy these games once to play the best versions for your console, across generations. New games developed for Xbox Series X and launching with Xbox Game Pass, including exclusives like The Medium, Scorn, Tetris Effect: Connected, and more.
More than 40 popular games newly optimized to take full advantage of Xbox Series X such as Destiny 2, Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Madden NFL 21, and more,” said the Xbox blog post.
We are fairly certain at this point that Microsoft will also be revealing the Xbox Series X with the lower end Lockhart (likely known as the Xbox Series S), and it will be very interesting how Microsoft prices both consoles. Rumor has it the consoles will be priced to try and undercut Sony and their Playstation 5 system.
The loss of Halo Infinite for a launch title is tangible, but as saying goes – it’s better to have a great experienced than a rushed one.
