It’s fair to say that 343 and Halo Infinite have taken a bit of a battering in recent weeks, not only from this channel and others like it, but also across the internet. From Reddit to Twitter, it seems like there are plenty of critics and plenty of reasons to doubt 343 and the future of Halo Infinite.

I left a comment on one of Sean W’s videos which got me thinking…..

Why am I hopeful for the future of this game?

So today I’d like to outline four reasons for hope, with some caveats. (It can’t all be positive after all).

Core Gameplay

The gameplay is still fun. The core gameplay is solid. If problems like desync and lag can be improved until they are no longer an issue, then the game has a solid foundation to build from.

Season 2 Update is incoming soon

Season 2 update shows some progress and is a good first step in the right direction. If they can release campaign co-op on time and in a fully functioning state that will create some good will in the community and the positivity will grow from there.

Forge leaks look great

It seems like we will get advanced scripting and even modelling tools to create additional content for Halo. I am hoping they can provide advanced previews as the system is developed in the same way as they did with the multiplayer preview. There is a Halo Insider program. Its time they put it to use. Users know what a Beta test is and will accept using it if they can see progress (and it’s not completely broken). I hope they release more work in progress as this system develops and don’t just rely on “leaks” to keep the community going. It generates good will and gives the community something other than your fuck ups to talk about.

Vocal Community

Yes, there have been a lot a negative videos on YouTube and other platforms but what that tells me is that people care enough to produce content and in most of the comments I see there is usually some element of hope surrounding the game. What would be worse is if the community simply moved on to other games. Don’t get me wrong I’ve been playing other games to fill in the gaps, so I am spending less time in game, but the community is still invested in the game and the franchise. I understand that people are fed up with the negativity but it’s a whole lot better than apathy. It shows passion for the Halo franchise, just not those who are currently managing it.

My Big Fear

My big fear for the next few months is that there will be a further delay in some of the Season 2 output or that update causes game performance issues. Imagine if season 2 drops and certain game modes stop working or the new game modes ship broken in some way! I also fear for the negative reaction to the TV show. I don’t know about any of you, but I thought the trailer looked cheap with dodgy effects, terrible action and whatever this is supposed to be….

I really hope it’s better than the trailer made it seem and I hope they bring back the classic music and the look for Cortana. We are going to need a whole lot more of this before this is done!

2022 is going to be an interesting time to be a Halo fan. I hope we can stick through it and that 343 can deliver on the promising first steps they have already made. Until we get more content, I’m going to be drinking this massive mug of hopium! See you in the next one.