While the next generation of consoles nears launch, Microsoft has been somewhat on the back foot as the PlayStation 4 has dominated sales relative to the Xbox One over the past years. Now the delay of Halo Infinite means that there are no first-party titles launching with the Xbox Series X, not only giving Sony the edge, but possibly dooming the console to the same fate as the PS Vita.

Via: imgflip.com

Halo Infinite Delayed, Surprising No One

In late July, players were given their first glimpse at the long-awaited Halo Infinite gameplay, and the experience was disappointing and troubling, to say the least. In no time at all, the main points of contention online where the unimpressive graphics, the design of the sprinting mechanic, the AI seemed lackluster, and there was a distinct lack of multiplayer, among other complaints.

Chris Lee, Studio Head for Halo Infinite, today announced a delay for the game until 2021 to ensure that the title meets the high standards set by players, with problems related to the global pandemic named as primary causes for the shift in release schedule. On a side note, does a delay ever lead to better working conditions for developers? Nope, if anything it is going to be crunch, crunch, and more crunch all the way to launch.

Unfortunately, it seems like the decision must have been based on the poor reception to the games reveal, as Phil Spencer recently touted that a launch timing for Halo Infinite was something to celebrate, and, “the last time we had Halo at the launch of a console was 2001. And we feel really good about Halo. It’ll be a big part in the [Xbox Series X Game Showcase on July 23].”

Microsoft Has Bought A Ton Of Studios With Nothing To Show For It

Via: microsoft.com

In the lead up to the launch of the Xbox Series X, Microsoft has made several moves towards acquiring more studios: The Initiative, Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Obsidian, InXile, Double Fine, and others have all recently become acquired, yet there is nothing coming from these studios at launch.

Of course, most of these acquisitions have occurred recently, so it seems that they are part of a longer-term strategy for the console, but that still leaves the actual launch quite bare.

Is There Any Reason Now To Buy An Xbox Series X At Launch?

At the moment, there is little reason to invest in the next generation of Xbox console, because much of what is being touted can already be played on the current generation. The Xbox Game Pass is by far one of the best subscriptions services available and provides great value for consumers, but it will remain equally as useful on the current generation of console.

The delay of Halo Infinite leaves the Xbox Series X without that “wow” factor that new generations of consoles are supposed to instill in its players. When the Nintendo Switch launched, it was joined by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and a handful of other memorable titles which gave players a reason to invest in new hardware after the failure of the Wii U.

Via: microsoft.com

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All Signs Point To Delaying The Xbox Series X, But That Won’t Happen

At this point, so many industries have been affected by the global pandemic, but Microsoft appears to be holding strong to the idea of launching its console in November. The delay of Halo Infinite looks like the perfect time to also announce a delay of the Xbox Series X, but the odds of that happening appear slim to none.

Unfortunately, a November launch seems to make little sense at this point, but the fact of the matter may be that Microsoft feels the need to launch with or before Sony at all costs.

Interestingly, and perhaps forbiddingly, history may be repeating itself at least in part. Years ago, Sony released the PS Vita, a handheld console that was so far ahead of its time but doomed to fail. Among the many reasons that it failed was the complete lack of first-party title support when the console needed it most. This is not to say that Microsoft will do the exact same thing, but it is a certainly an ill omen when the console’s launch brings back memories of the PS Vita.

Via: youtube.com (BaneTheAssassin)

For now, we will cross our fingers and hope it works out well for the Xbox Series X, because it seems that it will need all the luck it can muster.

Source: videogameschronicle.com, polygon.com

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