In a recent interview with IGN, Xbox boss Phil Spencer talked about how the console was still aiming for a 2020 launch. This is despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped the world. However, Spencer also noted that if the console was ready to launch, it wouldn’t be delayed because of a particular game. That includes 343 Industries’ Halo Infinite.
“I do think that if everything was there, for the software, the services, and the hardware, I don’t think I would hold it for any individual game. Obviously the one you think about is Halo, it’s iconic with the launch.
“Bonnie and the team are doing a really good job on Halo Infinite right now. They’re learning on the job just like we all are. I think we’ll go in eyes wide open on what we’re trying to get done, but I don’t think we would hold the launch of the overall platform on any individual game. I think we just have to be very transparent with people on where we are and how we’re trending.”
Halo Infinite is a launch title for Xbox Series X but it will also be coming to Xbox One and PC. It’s a spiritual reboot of sorts which aims to place the focus back on Master Chief. Utilizing the new Slipspace Engine, the shooter is being developed along with SkyBox Labs. There have been some high-profile departures from the development team last year, including lead producer Mary Olson, but there have been no issues reported or rumored at this point.
Of course, Halo Infinite may face issues due to the pandemic, which caused 343 Industries to shift towards working remotely like many other studios. Working remotely has affected the release of titles like Mojang’s Minecraft Dungeons and inXile’s Wasteland 3 have been affected, the former releasing in May while the latter has been delayed to August. We’ll see if Halo Infinite – and the Xbox Series X – can meet their holiday 2020 release window.
