Halo developer 343 Industries has delayed the release of Halo: Spartan Strike so that it can focus on fixing the ongoing matchmaking issues plaguing Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
"While we're excited about this all-new Halo experience, our commitment to resolving the current matchmaking issues in Halo: The Master Chief Collection remains the top priority. As a result, we have decided to move the release of Halo: Spartan Strike to early 2015," announced the developer in a statement on Friday.
Zoom343 Industries head Bonnie Ross recently apologised for the issues that have significantly impaired Halo: The Master Chief Collection's online multiplayer offering since launch.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection's release was marred by launch day matchmaking issues, many of which continue to affect the game despite the release of multiple patches.
Halo: Spartan Strike was originally due for release on December 12. The new top-down spin-off - a spiritual successor to Halo: Spartan Assault - starts out concurrent with the events of Halo 2 in New Mombasa and then jumps forward five years to the war against the Prometheans.
Spartan Strike will feature "refined controls" with improved virtual joysticks, more precise aiming and grenade tosses and a 25-week schedule of revolving challenges. Players can even unlock unspecified rewards for use in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. The game will start out on PC, Surface tablet and Windows Phone.
