Some Halo Infinite gamers have to make use of dev kits at first main match

Microsoft is outwardly having simply as a lot hassle procuring Xbox consoles as everybody else, as among the gamers on the first main Halo Infinite match in Raleigh, North Carolina are pressured to play on Xbox Series X improvement kits (through Kotaku). Game dev kits include {hardware} that builders use to create video games and sometimes aren’t out there to the general public, not to mention used at official gaming tournaments.

Tahir Hasandjekic, the Halo esports and viewership lead at 343 Industries despatched out a tweet earlier than the beginning of the match, warning some gamers that they’ll must play on Xbox Series X dev kits as an alternative of the true factor. He notes that the dev kits are “functionally identical and will be operating in ‘Retail’ mode.” Players will nonetheless get the “exact same experience” as others taking part in on the usual console, however the {hardware} will clearly look loads completely different. As for the rationale behind the usage of dev kits, Hasandjekic bluntly explains that the “global supply chain shortage is real.”

The chip scarcity has made it tough to search out the whole lot from PC components, gaming consoles, autos, and even family home equipment. In September, Xbox boss Phil Spencer stated that offer chain constraints might final properly into subsequent 12 months. It’s gotten so dangerous that not solely is Microsoft struggling to get sufficient of its personal consoles, however even Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vp of companies, can’t appear to get his arms on a brand new Xbox both. Cue resorted to following @XboxStockAlerts, a Twitter account that posts about Xbox console restocks, proving that even having the best of connections can’t assure you entry to the console.