343 Industries partner studio head Chris Lee, who oversaw development of Halo Infinite, has left the project.
Lee, who has been at343 Industriessince 2008 and remains aMicrosoftemployee, was reportedly sidelined followingHalo Infinite’s recent delay.
“I have stepped back from Infinite and I am looking at future opportunities,” he toldBloomberg. “I believe in the team and am confident they will deliver a great game and now is a good time for me to step away.”
Microsoft also said in a statement: “Chris Leeremains a Microsoft employee and while he has stepped back fromHalo: Infinite right now, we appreciate all he has done for the project to date.”
Development of Halo Infinite, which was originally scheduled to be anXbox Series X/Slaunch title this November, has not gone smoothly.
Former creative directorTim Longo left 343 Industriesin August 2019, before lead producerMary Olson departed the studiolast October.
FollowingHalo Infinite’s gameplay revealin late July, its visual fidelityfaced widespread criticismfrom the media, fans and even big brands, who highlighted issues with both the title’s art direction and the perceived lack of advancement since the last Halo game.
Soon after Microsoft confirmed thatHalo Infinite had been delayed to 2021. Following the delay,343 Industries brought in a pair of Halo veteransto help ship the shooter.
BungieveteranJoseph Staten, who worked on the very first Halo titles, mostly focusing on story and characters, was appointed project lead on Infinite’s campaign mode.
And Pierre Hintze, who was head of publishing for The Master Chief Collection, was assigned to take charge of Halo Infinite’s free-to-play multiplayer mode.
