E3 2019: Halo Infinite Has Split-Screen Multiplayer, Microsoft Reaffirms

Microsoft's press conference at E3 2019 featured plenty of new Halo Infinite details. Almost a year after it was first announced, Microsoft revealed the game's release window, confirmed it will be a launch title for Xbox Project Scarlett--in addition to launching on Xbox One and PC--and showed off a new cinematic trailer. But there was little in the way of gameplay, and specifics about what Infinite will include or how it plays differently remain unclear. One welcome piece of news, however, concerns the inclusion of split-screen multiplayer support.

Now, Microsoft has shared a blog post on Xbox Wire from Brian Jarrard, community director at Halo Infinite developer 343 Industries. "Like last year’s reveal trailer, this latest look at Halo Infinite is powered by our new Slipspace Engine--an engine built from the ground up to realize our incredibly ambitious aspirations for the future of the franchise," Jarrard writes. "Which yes, also includes the long-awaited return of split-screen support to the series."

Halo has a legacy of featuring couch co-op in both the campaign and multiplayer portions of its games. Fans of the series were miffed when Halo 5: Guardians--the last entry in the series--neglected any sort of split-screen functionality, so the reaffirmation that Halo Infinite will support split-screen is welcome news. Most Halo players likely have fond memories of playing through each campaign with a friend by their side. Even if local co-op isn't as prominent as it was prior to online gaming becoming so widespread, it's fantastic that Halo Infinite is still sticking to the series' roots in this regard.

Halo Infinite is set for release during Holiday 2020 for Xbox Project Scarlett, Xbox One, and PC.

More E3 news:

• New Xbox console, Scarlett, revealed
• Xbox Scarlett details: 8K, 120 FPS, SSD
• Elden Ring is From Software and George RR Martin's new game
• Cyberpunk 2077 release date announced
• Final Fantasy VII Remake release date announced
• Marvel's Avengers revealed