Xbox One X Launch Title Crackdown 3 Has Been Delayed Until 2018

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox One X is certainly a beefy piece of tech, but the slate of games launching alongside the new system haven't exactly wowed fans. Well, that launch lineup just even thinner, as Microsoft has announced a delay for Crackdown 3. Here's what Microsoft Studios general manager Shannon Loftis had to say about the unfortunate setback…

"We're very excited about Crackdown 3, and so are many fans, and so it's a difficult call to move the release date. However, we want to make sure to deliver the right game, with the right quality, and at the right time. Crackdown 3 is a hugely ambitious game and we want to ensure we deliver the right experiences all the way through every part of the game, whether that's campaign, co-op multiplayer or our competitive multiplayer mode, Wrecking Zone. Gamers can expect Crackdown 3 in Spring of 2018."

Why is Crackdown 3 being pushed back? It seems the game's criticized visuals are the main issue.

"Among other items, we are taking the extra time to focus on the visual polish so gamers can feel completely immersed in a living world. We want them to really feel the larger-than life enemies as they're exploring the expansive open world, combatting crime and collecting orbs."

So, you may think this puts the Xbox One X launch in a bad place, but darnit, Microsoft is staying positive!

"The Xbox One X launch lineup will be one of the greatest lineups of games ever available with a major new console release. Not only are there several new Xbox exclusives such as Forza Motorsport 7, Cuphead, Super Lucky's Tale, and the console launch exclusive PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, there is an incredible list of titles coming this holiday including Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Assassin's Creed Origins, Call of Duty: WWII, Star Wars Battlefront II, Destiny 2."

Regardless of what Microsoft says, Crackdown 3 moving to 2018 is a major blow to the Xbox One X launch, but one that probably had to happen. Recently-released gameplay footage looked kind of iffy, and the game also unexpectedly added Terry Crews as a fully playable character. I have a feeling integrating him more smoothly may partly explain the delay.

Crackdown 3 rocket jumps onto the PC and Xbox One in spring of 2018.

[via Polygon]