Microsoft Considered Releasing Halo Infinite in Parts, Before Deciding to Delay the Game to 2021

On Tuesday, developer 343 Industries announced that Halo Infinite has been delayed to 2021, with no specific release date set. Previously, the game was expected to release for Holiday 2020.

In a press release, 343 Industries said the delay was due to multiple development challenges including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The delay will give them “adequate time to deliver a Halo game experience that meets our vision.”

Xbox head Phil Spencer discussed the move on Wednesday in an interview with Gary Whitta on his Animal Crossing talk show “Animal Talking.”

“Let me start just by recognizing the fans and the fact that is is a bummer,” Spencer said. “It is disappointing to people. It’s disappointing to us. We were looking forward to the alignment of Halo and the launch of Series X.”

Additionally, Spencer revealed that Microsoft and 343 Industries considered splitting the game up into parts and shipping them separately, but ultimately decided that “didn’t feel, to all of us, like the Halo release that we would want.”

He said he made the call to delay the game rather than release it in parts “with the best intent, in the long run, for our fans and our platform.”

The decision was made “late last week” over a 24-hour period.

“Our long-term goal is to deliver the best Halo game we can deliver.”