Halo Infinite delayed!

​When we finally laid eyes on Halo Infinite gameplay during the recent Xbox Series X gameplay, one apparent thing was that the game looked a bit undercooked. This isn't untypical for early demos of course, but with Microsoft's crown jewel being only a few months away from launching, it was a bit underwhelming. Now, after numerous critics, explanations and memes, 343 Industries and Microsoft revealed today that the game is now delayed, and thus, won't make it in time for Xbox Series X's opening night.  

So, it is missing the Next-Gen launch party, but exactly when we can enjoy playing the new title wasn't disclose apart from a wide release window of 'next year'. Furthermore, Microsoft gave reasons for the delay, explaining that it came as the "result of multiple factors that have contributed to development challenges, including the ongoing COVID-related impacts affecting us all this year."

Microsoft's full statement on the delay of Halo Infinite reads:
"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 support and understanding."

Regardless of how the visuals were looking during the showcase, this is a bitter blow to Xbox's launch plans despite their assurance of  "More than 50 new games planned for this year across generations and optimized for Xbox Series X". I can't think of one major console inclusive I would want now at launch for my shiny new next-gen consoles so close to November, and that's what's most disappointing about this news. 

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