Ever sinceHalo: Combat Evolvedlaunched in 2021, split-screen campaign co-op has been one of the most beloved features of Xbox’s flagship franchise. Split-screen co-op remained a focal point forHaloup until the launch ofHalo 5: Guardians, which abandoned the feature in a hugely controversial move. In the wake ofHalo 5’s mixed reaction, 343 and Microsoft have promised thatfutureHaloinstallments will bring split-screen back. Unfortunately, it seems 343 has to go back on those promises, asHalo Infiniteis abandoning its plans to add split-screen campaign co-op.
This was confirmed in a new developer update video by 343. In the video, it was confirmed that theHalo InfiniteForge modeand campaign co-op will both launch on November 8, but it was also confirmed that the campaign co-op would be online-only, with no split-screen option as was previously promised. 343 explained that this decision was made so the developers can focus on supportingHalo Infinite’s live service elements, freeing up resources to address player feedback and work on updates.
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Needless to say, this is likely going to prove to be a controversial decision on the part of 343, especially since split-screen has been promised for the game for years. The good news is thatHalo Infiniteis readily available on Xbox Game Pass, so at least players won’t have to buy multiple copies of the game to play online co-op, but it’s still a disappointing development for fans of local co-op games.
Halo Infinitehas had a rocky relationship with co-op, to say the least. The game was originally meant to be a launch title for the Xbox Series X console, but it was then delayed to 2021. When the game finally launched, it was announced thatHalo Infinite’s campaign co-opand Forge modes would be pushed back. Those features have since been delayed again, but now it seems they’re finally set to launch on November 8.
Delayed and removed game modes aren’t the only controversies that have weighedHalo Infinitedown.Halo Infinite’s microtransactions, cosmetics, and progression have all proven to be hugely controversial as well, resulting in significant backlash from the community.
It will be interesting to see how the community reacts to the news thatHalo Infinitesplit-screen co-opis dead. Some may very well be happy to trade split-screen in favor ofHalo Infinitegetting more frequent updates, but others may consider this another significant blow to the game’s reputation.
Halo Infiniteis out now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
