Halo Infinite’s release date has finally officially been confirmed

Microsoft has finally confirmed a Halo Infinite release date of December 8, 2021.

The release date was announced on Thursday during the Gamescom Opening Night Live showcase.

Developed by 343 Industries, the game was originally planned as an Xbox Series X/S launch title in 2020 but was delayed due to quality concerns.

Microsoft said during June’s E3 showcase that Halo Infinite would be released this holiday alongside the game’s free-to-play multiplayer experience.

Shortly after, Xbox head Phil Spencer suggested Microsoft was waiting for other big games to confirm their launch dates before announcing Infinite’s to avoid a clash.

It has since been confirmed that this holiday’s other blockbuster shooters, Battlefield 2042 and Call of Duty: Vanguard, will be released on October 22 and November 5 respectively.

While Halo Infinite’s campaign and multiplayer will be released this holiday, the game won’t be launching as the complete package previously expected. Last week, 343 Industries confirmed it had delayed two Halo Infinite launch modes to next year in order to make the game’s 2021 release.

Head of creative Joseph Staten revealed in a development update that 343 is now planning to release campaign co-op in Infinite’s second post-launch season, which will start around three months after launch, and Forge in Season 3, which is planned for around six months after launch.

Staten also confirmed that split-screen multiplayer will be held back on PC until post launch due to technical challenges.