Microsoft considered releasing Halo Infinite in pieces before delaying it

What you need to know

• Head of Xbox Phil Spencer recently revealed some details about the Halo Infinite delay.
• Specifically, he mentioned that at one point Microsoft was considering releasing the game in increments in order successfully launch in 2020.
• Ultimately, it was decided that this wasn't a good fit for the Halo franchise.

In a recent episode of Gary Whitta's Twitch show Animal Talking, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer spoke about the circumstances behind the decision to delay Halo Infinite.

"Let me start just by recognising the fans and the fact that is is a bummer," he said. "It is disappointing to people, it's disappointing to us. We were looking forward to the alignment of Halo Infinite and the Xbox Series X. In the end, I have to make the right decision. The strength of the Halo franchise — the health and ability of the team...are things tracking toward the quality of where you want the game?"

He went on to comment that at one point, he, 343 Industries' Bonnie Ross, and Xbox Game Studios' Matt Booty considered the pros and cons of releasing Halo Infinite in smaller pieces in order to successfully launch something alongside the Xbox Series X in 2020. However, this idea was ultimately scrapped in favor of a full delay, which Spencer stated that he felt was the best call.

"It just didn't feel, to all of us, like the Halo release that we would want," Spencer said. "I'll apologise to the fans, because I never like to set up expectations and then not hit them. But I also believe we're making the right decision, in the long run, for both Xbox and Halo and our customers."

Halo Infinite is expected to release in 2021 on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PCs. For more on Halo Infinite and its delay, check out our piece on why the delay of Halo Infinite was ultimately a good thing. If you want to play some Halo right now, we recommend Halo: The Master Chief Collection.