After last week’s Xbox showcase, users began circulating images of the gray-faced brute to express their disappointment with Halo Infinite’s graphics. The Craig meme was thus born.<\/b>
\n(Credit: Microsoft) Meet Xbox\u2019s new mascot: Craig, the flat-faced brute from Halo Infinite. On Friday, Xbox head Phil Spencer made the joke in reference to an internet meme that\u2019s been lampooning the graphics for the next Halo game. \u201cOur new official Xbox mascot:-) Love the community and their ability to just take something fun and run with it,\u201d Spencer said in a tweet after a user asked for his take on the \u201cCraig\u201d meme. SEE ALSO: New Battletoads Game Arrives for Xbox One, Windows PCs on Aug.20 Tweet The meme\u2019s origin goes back to last week\u2019s Xbox showcase. During the event, Microsoft debuted gameplay footage for Halo Infinite, which will arrive on the Xbox One and the company\u2019s next-generation console, the Xbox Series X. Naturally, gamers were expecting some top-notch graphics. However, the footage left some disappointed, who cited certain low-detail visuals. To illustrate their point, users on social media began circulating the image above, which shows an enemy grunt carrying a blank expression, even as he\u2019s about to die. The image set off some debate over whether Halo Infinite can meet the hype when it releases later this holiday season. But at the same time, a meme was born. After the Xbox showcase, images of the gray-faced brute began circulating with the Craig name, prompting users to craft more jokes and even take pity on the enemy character. Tweet Staffers at Halo Infinite\u2019s developer 343 Industries also got in the fun. \u201cI now really want to know more about Craig. What\u2019s he up to? How has his time on the ring been? When he\u2019s not getting smacked in the face what does he do for fun?\u201d tweeted Halo community director Brian Jarrard. Xbox head Phil Spencer apparently appreciates the meme too. Ironically, we\u2019re hoping Craig\u2019s deadpan expression remains in the game, despite the criticism of Halo Infinite’s graphics. But in the meantime, developer 343 Industries has been trying to explain its approach to the game\u2019s visuals. Related PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Series X: What We Know So Far What’s to Blame for the Lack of Hype for the PS5, Xbox Series X? Valve Co-Founder Gabe Newell Prefers Xbox Series X Over PS5 \u201cIn many ways we are in agreement here \u2014we do have work to do to address some of these areas and raise the level of fidelity and overall presentation for the final game,\u201d the studio said yesterday. \u201cThe build used to run the campaign demo was work-in-progress from several weeks ago with a variety of graphical elements and game systems still being finished and polished.\u201d However,343 Industries added that it\u2019s focused on making the game look like a classic Halo game. \u201cThis translates to a more vibrant palette, \u2018cleaner\u2019 models and objects with less \u2018noise,\u2019 though it doesn\u2019t mean less detail,\u201d the studio said. On Friday, Microsoft also confirmed that Halo Infinite\u2019s multiplayer will be free-to-play. The company plans on sharing more details later. Further Reading New Battletoads Game Arrives for Xbox One, Windows PCs on Aug.20 PlayStation 5 ‘Activities’ Leak Promises Faster Game Loading Valve Co-Founder Gabe Newell Prefers Xbox Series X Over PS5 Analogue Pocket (Unofficial Game Boy) Pre-Orders Open Aug.3 More in Gaming Reviews AtGames Legends Ultimate Shadow by Blade PowerA Nano Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch Tobii Eye Tracker 5 Razer THX Spatial Audio Gaming Best Picks The Best Gaming Chairs for 2020 The Best Game Streaming Services for 2020<\/p>\n