The next Halo game, Halo Infinite, has officially been delayed by 343 Industries, meaning it will no longer be an Xbox Series X launch title.
In a statement shared across social media, the development team said the following: “We have made the difficult decision to shift our release to 2021 to ensure the team has adequate time to deliver a Halo game experience that meets our vision.”
The statement continues: “We know this will be disappointing to many of you and we all share in that sentiment. The passion and support of the community has shown over the years has been incredible and inspiring. We wanted nothing more than to play our game with the community this holiday. The extra time will let us finish the critical work necessary to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever at the quality we know our fans expect.”
From the wording, it seems likely that 343 is taking into account fan feedback made following Halo Infinite’s gameplay reveal. At the time, fans criticised the game’s unpolished textures, leading a 343 developer to say their criticism had not fallen on deaf ears.
Halo Infinite’s Narrative Experience Director, Dan Chosich, responded to the controversy, replying to a fan’s critique of the gameplay which called out its “sh*tty textures and worse lighting effects.”
Chosich tweeted: “I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like to have expectations built + feel let down. I want you to know your voice matters + is heard. You’re not falling on deaf ears. I always want to live up to the legacy that Bungie pioneered. I personally care a lot about honoring that.”
Hopefully the extra development time will help put some of players’ concerns to bed.
The game’s official description reads as follows: “The Master Chief returns in Halo Infinite – the next chapter of the legendary franchise beginning holiday 2020! Developed by 343 Industries for the entire Xbox family of devices, including Project Scarlett and Windows PCs, Halo Infinite continues the Halo 5: Guardians storyline and takes the franchise in ambitious and unexpected directions, powered by the all-new Slipspace Engine.”
Featured Image Credit: 343 Industries