343 Industries have announced Halo Infinite has been delayed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and for the team’s well-being.

Studio Head Chris Lee explained the delay was due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the ensuing quarantine orders that forced many to work from home. Lee also explains the Holiday 2020 release date would not have been “sustainable” for the team’s well-being and the game’s success.

“The decision to shift our release is the result of multiple factors that have contributed to development challenges, including the ongoing COVID-related impacts affecting us all this year. I want to acknowledge the hard work from our team at 343 Industries, who have remained committed to making a great game and finding solutions to development challenges. However, it is not sustainable for the well-being of our team or the overall success of the game to ship it this holiday.

We know this will be a disappointing to many of you and we all share that sentiment. The passion and support the community has shown over the years has been incredible and inspiring. We wanted nothing more than to play our game with the community this holiday. The extra time will let us finish the critical work necessary to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever at the quality we know our fans expect.”

343 Industries had previously sated they had “work to do” with the game’s graphics, after some disliked them during the game’s gameplay premiere. The news is sure to be damning for Microsoft, meaning the Xbox Series X has lost one of its “killer apps” for launch Holiday 2020.

Update: Microsoft have just announced the Xbox Series X will launch November 2020.

Halo Infinite launches 2021 on Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

Image: Halo Infinite official website