After rumors that "Halo Infinite" would be delayed until 2022 and the Xbox One version scrapped, developer 343 Industries has revealed that the next installment in the "Halo" series is due in 2021.

We previously reported that according to a Microsoft insider who goes by the name 'sponger' on the Resetera forums, a lot of work is being done to make "Halo Infinite" compatible with the Xbox Series X, and Xbox One support will be dropped reported that there is a possibility that.

"I debated for a long time whether to post this or not, but after consulting with several different sources, Microsoft/343i is currently very busy with the idea of discontinuing Xbox One support for "Halo Infinite". 'Even the idea of delaying it to early 2022 is on the table. But we are convinced they need to make the best Halo game ever."

sponger has previously leaked information about Avowed, an Xbox first-party RPG, but we suggested taking this information with a rather large grain of salt. This is because Microsoft has promised to offer all first-party Xbox games for both the Xbox Series X and Xbox One for the next two years.

And it turns out that a healthy dose of scepticism was needed, as John Junishek, community manager for Halo at 343 Industries, poured cold water on the smoldering rumors about further delays and problems with Halo infinite.

"We have no plans to release in 2021 or change the devices or platforms we support," Junyszek tweeted to Halo fans questioning the delay rumors. We are building "Halo Infinite" to be the best it can be on each device/platform.

It was very odd for Microsoft to discontinue Xbox One support for Halo Infinite. And judging from the game's appearance at the last Xbox 20/20 showcase in July, "Halo Infinite" appears to have been designed with Xbox One hardware in mind. In response to discouraging reactions to the game's graphics, Microsoft said that the demo did not run on Xbox Series X hardware and that the next-generation version would look better.

The delay of the release of Halo Infinite was also apparently a move to address concerns about the game's visuals. However, developer 343 Industries attributed the delay to problems caused by the coronavirus outbreak,

which interfered with its goal of providing "a Halo game experience consistent with our vision."

While the challenges posed by COVID-19 may be deeply ingrained in 343 Industries, it does not seem likely that "Halo Infinite" will be delayed beyond 2021.

However, the delay could mean that 343 Industries will focus on offering only the Xbox Series X and PC versions of "Halo Infinite" in 2021, with the Xbox One version coming a little later. While we do not entirely believe it, the overall delay would suggest that development of "Halo infinite" has not been smooth.

With the delay of "Halo Infinite," the Xbox Series X will lose one of its major titles. As a result, the next generation Xbox may launch without major first-party games, with titles such as "Fable 4" and "Forza Motorsport 8" likely still to come.

This would be good news for the PS5, as Sony's strategy seems to be to sell lots of next-generation consoles. Therefore, by having a wide range of exclusive games like "Spider-Man: Miles Morales" at or near launch, the PS5 could come out on top at launch.

Given that Microsoft's aim is not to sell the Xbox Series X in large numbers, but to build the Xbox ecosystem, the delay of "Halo Infinite" and its impact on console sales can definitely be weathered. And ultimately, an improved version of "Halo Infinite" will be better for Microsoft and Xbox in the long run.