The pre-release hype surroundingHalo Infinitewas huge, with many regarding the title as a hopeful revival of the classic franchise’s formula for modern systems. Given how legendary the IP is for Xbox, helping popularize the entire first-person shooter genre, expectations for the title were always going to be massive. Unfortunately, the amount of eyes on the title led to many players with shared criticisms regarding the multiplayer experience inHalo Infinite.
Many of these qualms were thought to be eventually addressed in extensive post-launch updates for the game. However,Microsoft recently announced wide-sweeping layoffs for 343 Industries, the development studio behindHalo Infiniteand many entries in the franchise prior. Many fans assume that post-launch support for the title will become a lot less than expected following this decision.
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The Perceived Problems With Halo Infinite
WhenHalo Infinitelaunched in November 2021, the game had a predictably huge player count thanks to the legacy of the IP and the game’s status as aday-one Xbox Game Pass release. This deluge of players led to criticisms, with many lauding the ambitious open world ofHalo Infinite’scampaign but having more scathing opinions regarding the title’s multiplayer.
Themultiplayer of theHalofranchisewas once revolutionary, butHalo Infinitewas seen as lacking the substance and longevity of the IP’s previous installments. WithInfiniteonly possessing 10 maps at launch - split between different modes, as well as little in the way of tangible progression, the game ended up relying heavily on post-launch seasonal updates and limited-time events to satiate disgruntled fans.
How the 343 Layoffs May Impact Halo Infinite
Microsoft recently announced it is cutting 10,000 jobsthat include positions at many of the video game development studios that fall under the Microsoft umbrella, including the flagship 343 Industries. Given the amount of post-launch care thatInfiniteneeds to thrive, many are understandably wondering how these layoffs might impact the title’s near-future plans.
The layoffs have clearly caused internal tension within the studio, with someHalo Infinitedevs calling out Microsoft leadership following these developments. Many have cited stressful working conditions as a factor inHalo Infinite’sdevelopment, which is likely to worsen with a reduced workforce behind the game.
This news comes after earlier developments within 343, such asHalo Infinitecampaign director Joe Staten leaving his positionat the company. This restructuring seem to go hand-in-hand with the layoffs, and paint a picture of 343 having to work with an even tighter schedule while using an entirely new framework of post-launch development. The impact that this will have onHalo Infinitemay see its post-launch roadmap take even longer to implement, despite rumors that it remains unchanged as things stand.
ConsideringHalo Infinite’splayer count has continuously fallensince launch, these layoffs could be a nail in the coffin for any hopes of a post-launch revival. The extent of the impact to 343 andHalo Infiniteremain to be seen due to the recency of the news, but it can be assumed that the delivery of much-needed content will become significantly more difficult, spelling trouble for the title.
Halo Infiniteis available now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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