Microsoft, via Xbox Wire, announce some good news and not so good news today.

First the good and obvious. Xbox Series X is coming out in November 2020. We’ve pretty much known this from the beginning, since Microsoft claimed the new console will release Holiday 2020. Still waiting for an actual date, price, and pre-order information though.

Now the bad news. Halo Infinite has been delayed to 2021 according to Microsoft and 343 for “more time to finish the critical work necessary to launch.”

There was a very vocal response to the gameplay and graphics not looking too “finished” during the live gameplay reveal of Halo Infinite not too long ago. Perhaps 343 took that to heart?

Below is the full official statement:

Today I want to share an important Halo Infinite development update with the community. 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 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. I want to acknowledge the hard work from our team at 343 Industries, who have remained committed to making a great game and finding solutions to development challenges. However, it is not sustainable for the well-being of our team or the overall success of the game to ship it this holiday.

We know this will be disappointing to many of you and we all share in that sentiment. The passion and support 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. 

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Chris Lee
Studio Head, Halo Infinite

I’m all for delays, if it means a better game is released. Now all 343 needs to do is deliver and not fuck it up.

[Source: Microsoft]