Microsoft considered releasing Halo Infinite in pieces before delaying it
Ultimately, it was decided that delaying the game was the best option.
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What you need to know
In a recent episode ofGary Whitta’s Twitch show Animal Talking, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer spoke about the circumstances behind the decision to delayHalo Infinite.
“Let me start just by recognising the fans and the fact that is is a bummer,” he said. “It is disappointing to people, it’s disappointing to us. We were looking forward to the alignment of Halo Infinite and the Xbox Series X. In the end, I have to make the right decision. The strength of the Halo franchise — the health and ability of the team…are things tracking toward the quality of where you want the game?”
He went on to comment that at one point, he, 343 Industries' Bonnie Ross, and Xbox Game Studios' Matt Booty considered the pros and cons of releasing Halo Infinite in smaller pieces in order to successfully launch something alongside theXbox Series Xin 2020. However, this idea was ultimately scrapped in favor of afull delay, which Spencer stated that he felt was the best call.
“It just didn’t feel, to all of us, like the Halo release that we would want,” Spencer said. “I’ll apologise to the fans, because I never like to set up expectations and then not hit them. But I also believe we’re making the right decision, in the long run, for both Xbox and Halo and our customers.”
Halo Infinite is expected to release in 2021 on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PCs. For more on Halo Infinite and its delay, check out our piece on whythe delay of Halo Infinite was ultimately a good thing. If you want to play someHaloright now, we recommend Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
A new Great Journey awaits
Halo Infinite is sure to be an incredible game filled with wonder, adventure, and more. It might be delayed for the forseeable future, but you can pre-order now.
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Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you’ll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he’s not writing or gaming, there’s a good chance he’s either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once.Follow him on X(Twitter).