Microsoft Announces Delay of New 'Halo' Game to 2021
Viena Abdon
Microsoft Corp's Xbox team announced the delay of one of the most awaited video games, Halo Infinite, while the game console Xbox Series X is due for release in November.
According to a statement posted on the Halo Twitter account, the decision to move the release is the consequence of various determinants contributing to the growing hurdles.
The delay of the launch was caused by the difficulties of working from home protocols to comply with COVID-19 work arrangements.
"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."
Studio Head for Halo Point Chris Lee
The multibillion-dollar franchise Halo made its debut in the first Xbox release almost two decades ago. The delay may take a critical blow to the sales of the new Xbox Series X console, which was reported to be on sale in November.
Considered as essential in the progress of Infinite, the blog post added details concerning the video game to serve as an update with the waiting community.
"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," according to the blog post.
However, Lee also noted that it is not sustainable for the well-being of their team or the game's overall success if they ship it this holiday.
The release of Halo Infinite, originally announced at the E3 2018 conference, made waves when it was unveiled during a video presentation for the highly anticipated Xbox Series X games.
This decision didn't escape the lashing of the game's graphics and gameplay in the footage, as these received critical feedback from the fans.
Furthermore, according to Microsoft's Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, the decision was already foreseen that might happen shortly this year.
"I'd say the bigger unknown is probably the game production, just being honest… Game production is a large scale entertainment activity now, you have hundreds of people coming together, building assets, working through creative."
Phil Spencer, Microsoft's Xbox Chief
During Microsoft's 2020 fiscal year, gaming reproduced 8% of the entire revenue until June 30. It maintained 1.7 percent the preceding year while people anticipated a replacement to the Xbox One released during 2013.
Meanwhile, separate games designated to Xbox and Sony Corp.'s PlayStation have also been postponed. Spencer also mentioned that the development was harder to compromise due to the pandemic, considering the console-building schedule.
Viena is a reporter for Future Sharks covering news around the globe.