That article is all wishful thinking imo. Literally after every release we did, management said things are going to change, we'll plan better, make better tools, not announce too early etc etc, we're going to avoid crunch next time. An article from the head of a studio, that's pure conjecture, it's nothing but empty promises until someone working there actually comes out and says there is no crunch. The burden of proof is on the studio, benefit of the doubt has created this culture where crunch has become the modus operandi of software development. It's been known for many years how to address it, but it always comes down to, we want the best product asap.

Hiring more hands late in a software development cycle adds complexity. Those new people need to be brought up to speed, their work checked, integrated, new team dynamics, more stress.

The fact that the time window for the delay is literally 12 months is a huge red flag. But maybe they know it will still need a year in the oven without working the team to the ground, but don't want to say that so close to the launch of the XSX. That's about as far as I will go with benefit of doubt. No crunch on the flagship title to launch a new console generation, crunch happens for far far less.

Correct. Rather a delayed game they gets more development time and investment will typically be improved upon over what it was originally.

343i we need to keep in mind haven't actually made a "shit" game yet, they have had games which came short of Halo's high's however, but for all intents and purposes, they were still solid offerings.

"some" high quality assets. Chiefs armour is definitely high resolution, so was some of the environmental texturing.

There is reason why the lighting is flat and that is because of the current lighting model being employed... But rather than have myself rehash all of this, I'll just post a video from digital foundry who have given us a more empirical breakdown for you to wet your appetite on.

But yes, TLDR, there is some fantastic texture and mesh work, can't forget to mention the specular highlights and more that is going on.


That doesn't mean it doesn't have technical shortcomings, far from it, I have been extremely vocal about those even with the engine technology demonstration a year or two ago where I questioned some of the sprite work.

They can do it if they truly wow us. But that hasn't happened in years.

The last major console that I can think of that launched without a first party game was the PS2.

The "it will be fixed in 4 months" crowd can take a seat now. I expect the game to be delayed until at least the second half of 2021, it isn't bold to expect it for 2021 holidays, the game looks absolutely horrendous in its current state. 

Can't lie, though. I know it takes years to make a AAA game but after the last year or so (though I absolutely loved Gears 5), I was hoping Microsoft would hit the ground running with the XSX. They've got a fair amount to be excited about but this isn't a good look for them.

after all the noise they made about being pro consumer and all that trash, I highly doubt they will drop the x1. So even if it takes a whole extra year, the anchor that is the x1 will still limit how much better this game can look. 

They apologized for mis-advertising May. If they labelled it as a small scale showcase with low expectations instead of “first glimpse of Series X gameplay” then there be no backlash. 

Halo was the front runner but the whole point of July was to showcase 1st party games. While people were quick to comment on the lack of gameplay in the trailers, the “Halo Gears Forza” narrative is dead as we now know of plenty variety in development. The lack of gameplay narrative is a temporary one. Good riddance to that tired insult. 

Halo being delayed is them being in touch. You got it all wrong. They know they have their work cut out and will delay the game to meet fan demand. Now 2021 will continue Xbox momentum when Halo launches at its potential. 

Sure you have said it. Still have MS show any game that was crossgen and looked great? Nope.

Have they proved that Halo Infinite was being made from ground up to take advantage of XSX HW? Nope.

You can claim that they didn`t show much crossgen or AAA titles, but them you would have to guess why not? Because they know that it cost manpower and anchor the game.

4k and 120FPS not good enough, LOL

Quality post per usual. Also did you miss the showcase where most of what they showed said XSX/PC exclusive? 

Well pushing hardware at release has been done for decades by all manufactures including MS. Everyone had  eclusive new gen games along side crosgen games. So them going now and saying that its anti consumer is just PR spin trash. The same with the controller compatibility.