Originally slated as an Xbox Series X launch title in 2020, Halo Infinite required additional development time to meet the vision of Xbox and 343 Industries. The multiplayer component was released as an open beta on November 15, 2021, followed by the full game release on December 8, 2021. While the multiplayer and campaign modes were well-received during the initial launch window, concerns arose about the long-term viability of the multiplayer mode. Some players expressed disappointment with the updates and seasons that followed the end of Halo Infinite's first season in May 2022.
According to Steamcharts's player charts, the total playerbase on Steam has dwindled by about 98%. At its peak, Halo Infinite had 272,586 users on Steam, but recent charts indicate only 5070 were active. Although the 24-hour peak has slightly increased to 6,151 players, the current number has dropped even further to 4560. This drastic reduction means only around 2% of the initial playerbase remains, leading to concerns about the game's future.
Members of the Halo Infinite community attribute the decline to 343 Industries' approach to live service gaming, particularly regarding monetization practices that may have discouraged newcomers. Additionally, some fans believe the lack of meaningful new features and maps contributed to the loss of dedicated players.
While the Steam player drop-off may not directly represent the playerbase on Xbox platforms, it does raise alarm bells for the overall popularity of Halo Infinite. Despite Microsoft and 343's original 10-year content plan for the game, the decline is disheartening for the community, with concerns overshadowing the game's enjoyable gameplay mechanics for many players.
Halo Infinite's multiplayer remains free-to-play, and Season 4: Infection offers ongoing free multiplayer content. Furthermore, the game is currently discounted, providing an opportunity for players interested in experiencing the campaign at a major discount.
