Xbox And Halo Infinite Developers Respond To Game Backlash

The game developers behind the upcoming Halo Infinite have defended the backlash against the game.

Microsoft aired its next-gen game showcase for the Xbox Series X and Xbox One consoles last week. In it, Microsoft debuted the first footage for Halo Infinite and, according to reactions from social media, left many users unimpressed.

Users across Twitter and Reddit criticised the game’s graphics, claiming that the title’s graphics looked “flat” and not like a next-gen title. Fans also claimed that Microsoft’s decision to release the game on current-gen console Xbox One is “holding” the title back.

In a recent interview with Gamespot, Chris Lee, the Studio Head of Halo Infinite development studio 343 Industries, has responded by saying that the title isn’t being held back.

He said: “When we started building Halo Infinite we knew we had to really invest in our technology to achieve the ambition that the vision of this game had. So we invested a lot in our SlipSpace Engine.

“We’ve been developing it over time with the idea and the concept of being cross-platform so we could support the Xbox One family of devices, the Xbox Series X, and of course, PC when we release on Steam as well.”

In the same interview, Lee explained that the game will take full advantage of Xbox Series X’s hardware, saying: “From the very beginning we wanted to make sure we were developing all of these experiences in parallel and had the right technology to power those experiences and optimise them for each device.”

Xbox’s Response

Xbox also issued a response to the game’s backlash. Aaron Greenberg, the Marketing GM Xbox, told fans in an interview with Inside Gaming to be patient and that the graphics are a “work-in-progress”.

As reported by Comicbook.com, he said: “Listen, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s July, we’re far from [launch in] Holiday, you’re seeing a work-in-progress game.”

Meanwhile, fans have made memes of an enemy from the game which has become known as Craig. 343 Industries has also joined in, asking fans to send in their creations inspired by the beast.

Halo Infinite, which according to Xbox boss Phil Spencer will bring some changes to the sci-fi franchise, is set to launch later this year for the Xbox Series X, PC, and Xbox One. We can expect more information and updated gameplay footage of the title in the coming months.

Image Credit: Screenshot – Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere, YouTube