2020 is a big year for Halo, as Microsoft is launching Halo Infinite this year for Xbox Series X (and Xbox One and PC). One major pillar of the game is multiplayer, and this includes a significant esports component. Microsoft made a big announcement about this today, confirming that it has partnered with Esports Engine for Halo Infinite's esports initiatives.

"It is our mission to deliver the best esports program that Halo has ever seen in its 18 year history and we couldn't think of a better partner to work with than the long time Halo fans and esports veterans at Esports Engine," Microsoft said in a statement.

Esports Engine is a comprehensive competitive gaming company that organizes the planning, design, and broadcast of esports. CEO Adam Apicella said in a statement he's excited to build the "best program for players, fans, teams, and tournament operators around the world."

Esports Engine had already been working with Microsoft on Halo competitive gaming tournaments for years now, but this new partnership makes Esports Engine become the official "global management partner" for Halo Infinite.

"It's super exciting to be involved in such a monumental project," Apicella said.

The Esports Engine team will work alongside Microsoft's own Halo Championship Series team inside of developer 343 Industries. The two will collaborate on "ecosystem design, format and league operations, broadcasts, and more."

Financial terms of the agreement between Esports Engine and Microsoft were not disclosed.

An update on Halo Infinite esports. pic.twitter.com/Bcc1lw2IXS — Halo Esports #HCS (@HCS) February 19, 2020

Apicella said on Twitter that Esports Engine will hire someone to play Halo Infinite as a full-time job to help assist in event-planning.

While it doesn't come close to the size of games like DOTA 2, CS: GO, and League of Legends in terms of popularity or prize pools, the Halo competitive gaming scene remains very popular. Tournaments for Halo 5 alone have paid out more than $7 million, according to esports earnings.

Halo Infinite is scheduled to release this holiday as a launch title for Xbox Series X. The game will also play on Xbox One and PC. More details on Halo Infinite are expected to come during the Xbox E3 2020 briefing, if not sooner.