As the end of the year draws near, gamers look forward to 2020’s biggest releases. For Xbox fans, or fans of the first-person shooter genre, the upcomingHalogame from 343 Industries is one of the most anticipated releases. Based on what the developers have said,Halo Infinitewill take the series in an entirely new direction.
There will be no more information on the newHalogame leading up toMicrosoft’s press conference at E3 2020, where the final details are going to be unveiled alongside final details about the next set of Xbox consoles. For now, here is everything revealed so far aboutHalo Infinite.
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It Will Be an Xbox Scarlett Launch Game
Halo Infiniteis announced to be anXbox Scarlett launch titlefor Microsoft’s next generation. Both the new console and the game are set to launch in holiday 2020. However,Halo Infinitewill not be entirely exclusive to the Xbox Scarlett. The game will also be released on the Xbox One and, in keeping with Microsoft’s initiative for this generation, it will come to PC as well. Microsoft is currently putting out every new first party release on Xbox Game Pass and whileHalo Infiniteis not yet confirmed to launch on the service, it is likely to come to Game Pass at launch both on the PC and on console.
The Master Chief Story Will Continue
Based on thetrailer released at E3 2019,Infinitewill continue the story of Master Chief and Cortana. The six minute cinematic trailer really didn’t say too much about what’s new inHalo Infinite, but focused on the old. We know that Master Chief is making his return as the spartan behind the iconic armor and helmet. Cortana’s status is unknown following the ending ofHalo 5, but she will most certainly still play a major role in the plot ofHalo Infinite.
It Will Be Bigger Than AnyHaloGame so far
There have been many rumors regardingHalo Infinite, its size and how much money has gone into development costs. The game’srumored budgetis over $500 million. The game is rumored to be open world and is said to be bigger and more expansive than anyHalogame in the past, as the name suggests. We also know thatHalo Infiniteis using a new engine called Slipspace, which is an early sign that the game is pushing boundaries tech wise.
No gameplay has been shown, and none will be shown until E3 2020 according to Microsoft, so there areinfinite possibilitiesfor where this entry will take the franchise. Whether it will be the finalHalogame or not, it is clear this game will be more than just a standard campaign and multiplayer modes. 343 is going all in and Microsoft will rely on this, their biggest launch game, to help sell next gen consoles.
Halo InfiniteWill Have Microtransactions
According to a job listing seen earlier this year,Halo Infinitewill have microtransactionsin some form. 343 Industries was hiring a Live Team Design Lead, whose responsibilities would include designing and delivering a “AAA social experience that fosters community” as well as one that “focuses on our fans and their desire to express their passion for our franchise (including but not limited to microtransactions).”
These microtransactions seem like they will be on the up and up. In 2018, 343 studio head Chris Lee confirmed thatHalo Infinitewill not have loot boxes. Hopefully, the studio is sticking to this promise and has in-game purchases planned that won’t degrade the quality of the experience for players who chose not to their money on microtransactions.
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Multiple Developers Have Left Mid Project
Halo Infinitehas lost multiple key team members during the last year or so of development. In Octoberexecutive producer Mary Olson departed 343to join fresh dev Midwinter Entertainment. Olson took the reigns on the project as Lead Producer forHalo Infiniteafter the departure of Creative Director Tim Longo earlier this year. Longo was also the Creative Director onHalo 5: Guardiansand had spent years at 343 Industries. This is concerning, but doesn’t necessarily indicate development troubles for a project this big that has so many hands on it and has been in the works presumably sinceHalo 5shipped in 2015.
There Will Be a Beta
We know that aPC and Xbox betaforHalo Infiniteis planned. Referred to as “flighting programs,” it is said that the beta tests “will start small and slowly expand out until release.” The wording 343 used makes it sound like these are truly beta tests and not just a demo that is released to increase hype the weeks before release. The developer is more focused on getting and implementing feedback. It’s unknown whether or not these beta tests will strictly private or if there will be a public beta eventually.
Halo Infiniteis scheduled to release during the 2020 holiday season for PC, Xbox One, and as a launch release for Xbox Scarlett.
