Coming up on three years since its announcement,Halo Infiniteis a game that can’t seem to catch a break. It was supposed to launch with the Xbox Series X/S last November, but a poorly received gameplay reveal motivated developer 343 Industries to delay the game into late 2021 — nearly a whole year after it was supposed to release. Since its delay, there have yet to be any significant updates on the latest entry in Xbox’s flagship franchise, but withE3 2021right around the corner that seems likely to change.
Xbox will be presenting its E3 conference on June 13, and there have been debates over what could be shown off. While titles likeStarfieldandElder Scrolls 6are far from safe bets, one could assume that information regardingHalo Infinitewill be shared. Microsoft and 343 will surely want any updates on the game to impress fans and make a compelling argument as to why they should buy it at launch. A beta forHalo Infiniteseems like it would be capable of fulfilling both of these purposes, and it’s hard to think of a better place to announce one than at E3.
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Halo Infinite Isn’t That Far Away
Halo Infiniteis slated to launch later this year, and 2021 is nearly halfway over. It may not seem like it, butHalo Infiniteis fairly close to hitting store shelves, which means the clock is ticking on any pre-release opportunities to come out.
PreviousHalogamessuch asHalo 3andReachtypically featured betas about four or so months before their final builds were released. Given thatHalo Infiniteis set for fall of this year, having a beta within the next few months would make sense. ProvidedHalo Infiniteand its beta follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, a beta later this month could indicate a possible release date around October, which fits with the game’s current release window.
However, the timing of betas can vary from developer to developer. For example, Ubisoft’s open beta forFor Honorwas held only about five days before it was released. Given the harsh pre-release reaction toHalo Infinite’sgameplay,it’s hard to imagine 343 Industries opting for a similar option; the developer simply wouldn’t be afforded ample time to properly implement community feedback. But 343 doesn’t only have to choose one or the other. Based on prior reports, it seems likely thatHalo Infinitecould be getting multiple betas. If that’s the case, 343 could always opt for multiple test periods, such as having one during the summer, and then another closer to launch.
Halo Infinite At E3
Chances areHalo Infinitewill probably debut a new trailer or gameplay footage at E3 2021, but if 343 and Xbox really want to impress their audience, it’d be worthwhile to use Xbox’s conference to announce a beta for the newestHalogame. E3 has historically served as a venue for some of gaming’s largest announcements, and there’s hardly a stage better suited for announcing the beta for thelast entry in the titanicHaloseries.
Following last year’s lackluster gameplay reveal, 343 has assured fans that it is hard at work at improving the game. After doing a lot of telling, a beta would be a surefire way for 343 to show players firsthand the steps it has taken towards makingHalo Infinitethe best it can be. Given the high volume of eyes on the gaming industry during E3, an announcement would undoubtedly allow for Xbox and 343 to spread the word ofHalo Infinite’sbetato as many people as possible.
When considering how close the game is to its targeted release, along with 343’s commitment to theHalocommunity, as well as the impending announcements that are sure to come out of E3 2021, a beta forHalo Infiniteseems like the perfect announcement to headline Xbox’s conference. Hopefully,Xbox’s conference on June 13can shed some light on the upcomingHalogame as well as 343’s pre-release plans.
Halo Infinitereleases fall 2021 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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