Could Halo Infinite’s Success Decide Microsoft’s Fate?

Take a look at the lineup Sony has in store for the PS5. We’re getting a new Spider-Man game, new Horizon adventures, and even an insanely elaborate Ratchet and Clank. Microsoft is offering a few titles from their newly acquired studios, but their big release is no longer coming this year. Halo Infinite is delayed until 2021, and for the most part, fans are hoping it means good things. Of course, we all want to play the game, but it’s best we get a good game. My concern, and many others, is that even after a delay we might still get a letdown. Despite the many good things Microsoft has going for it, Halo Infinite’s success could very well make or break the Series X.

Halo Infinite’s Success is Going to Be Huge for the Series X

Image Credit: 343 Studios

We likely get an Xbox Series X price this coming month. I can’t imagine Sony or Microsoft waiting until October to unveil prices. We’ll likely also get a look at the Series S, the less-powerful but next-gen option launching along the Series X. All in all, Microsoft is far from throwing in the towel for the console wars. An unsuccessful Halo game would likely change things though. Even Halo 5: Guardians, which many considered to be a disappointment, sold millions of copies. Xbox Game Pass will still get the new Halo in many player’s hands, but even then, that doesn’t guarantee a successful game.

What might end up deciding Microsoft’s fate is whether or not the gaming community views Halo Infinite‘s success as sufficient enough to warrant their relevancy. Things like lower console prices or a subscription service for games can only go so far. What you play is, at the end of the day, why you decide to buy one console over the other. Look at Animal Crossing: New Horizons. People bought Nintendo Switch consoles just to play that game. What are they going to buy a Series X for if not Halo? Gears of War is good but still relatively uninspiring. Obsidian and other newly acquired studios can put out good games, but they might not sell consoles. A good Halo game means the world to Microsoft and the Xbox Series X.

Calling In the Big Guns

Image Credit: 343 Studios

With a lot up in the air, 343 Studios is looking to ensure a successful launch. A Bungie veteran responsible for the early Halo games is on board to help Infinite stick the landing. Likewise, it seems like the studio is open to hearing what fans thought after the gameplay reveal. It’s going to be great to get an open-world Halo game. Unfortunately, it’s not going to mean much if players don’t feel enticed to explore the world. Some might play the free-to-play multiplayer on Halo Infinite and decide to pick up the game. Even so, that’s not likely given the multiplayer emphasis of past Halo games.

Hopefully, we get a great game next year when Halo Infinite launches. If not, then we might have another rough console cycle in store for Microsoft fans. How are you feeling about the new Halo game? If you have a guess as to what we might see when it finally launches, then let us know in the comments. As always, thanks for reading Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture.

Featured Image Credit: 343 Studios

Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.