Plenty of fans were disappointed this August when they learned that Xbox's biggest launch game was delayed. Halo Infinite was meant to launch alongside the Xbox Series X/S on November 10, but was instead delayed indefinitely in 2021. Citing development issues, alongside the hugely detrimental Covid-19 pandemic impacting developers, 343 Industries made the decision "to deliver a Halo game experience that meets our vision." Many were shocked by the unprecedented announcement, with some hastily blaming the free-to-play multiplayer mode's development or even the Halo TV Show that's in production.
Microsoft and 343 Industries were quick to disprove any rumors flying about why Halo Infinite was delayed, and then things went quiet. Since then, with only a few rumors popping up since, news on Halo Infinite has been sparse. Turnover with the game's former director Chris Lee, alongside the addition of Halo development veteran Joseph Staten, was deemed an indication by many that Halo Infinite was much further off than anticipated. Considering the game was due out in November of 2020, many figured the game would only be delayed a few months. However, regardless of how delayed Infinite is, 343 Industries doesn't need to rush the game out by any means.
The Inherent Pressure on Halo Infinite's Development
Now that the game's been delayed, there's undoubtedly an inherent and unfair pressure being placed on 343 Industries to come out the door swinging with Halo Infinite. Even if that pressure isn't being placed on them by Microsoft or Xbox, fan expectations are a constant guillotine over any studio that has to delay. Cyberpunk 2077 is having that particular issue right now, to the point of some Cyberpunk developers receiving death threats. Halo Infinite, at least from a PR standpoint, has been basically MIA since the game's delay in August. Halo fans are going to want to see the fruits of the development team's labor in the wake of the game's delay.
Now, to be fair, there haven't been as many vitriolic responses to Halo Infinite's delay, unlike Cyberpunk 2077's numerous delays. The response to Halo Infinite's delay was mostly positive, with many sharing hope of what's to come. There's plenty of evidence out there that indicates Halo Infinite was meant to be the big ticket exclusive for Xbox Series X/S at launch, which means delaying the game likely wasn't a decision made lightly. However, the Halo franchise still holds this level of pedigree among fans, even if the delay hurts. Whenever Halo Infinite does reveal itself again, it should certainly make that splash, but it doesn't necessarily have to happen right away.
Halo Infinite Can Take its Time
There is merit to the sentiment that Halo Infinite will need to return in a really big way, but that doesn't necessarily need to happen right away. The game's indefinite delay into 2021 means 343 Industries is clearly dedicated to improving and refining the experience as much as possible before it's released. If that takes 343 Industries a year-long delay to finalize and perfect Halo Infinite, then so be it. Halo fans have waited a long time for another entry, especially since several of them were disappointed by Halo 5's new direction. If it's another year at most, or arguably even longer, the wait will be worth it for the next entry in the franchise.
Especially considering what Halo Infinite is proposing, it seems like a solid balance between a new direction, and a proper return to roots. Gone are the iron sights and dashing movement of Halo 5, with the grappling hook being the only movement gimmick shown off so far. The art direction and environmental design seem to be harkening back to the sense of wonder Halo: Combat Evolved had in its campaign. Plus, fans of the Halo Wars games and the extended Halo narrative universe will see plenty of interesting nods to existing lore heading into Infinite's new story. Halo Infinite has a lot going for it, so if 343 takes its time with it, that's understandable.
Eventually players will get their hands on the next entry at some point in 2021. 343 Industries has yet to set a firm release date next year, and some have theorized that recent management changes may be hinting at a much longer delay than expected. If Halo Infinite was delayed until fall of 2021, it wouldn't drastically affect that game's sales performance, even if it's not launching alongside the new Xbox console. Halo is Xbox's flagship franchise; there's a high likelihood anyone who already owns an Xbox Series X/S, or will be getting one next year, is going to get Halo Infinite as well.
Halo Infinite is planned to release in 2021 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.