Halo 5 November 2015 Release Date Rumors Are "False"

Microsoft has responded to a new rumor that claims upcoming Xbox One shooter Halo 5: Guardians will launch on November 10, 2015. It's not true, Microsoft told GameSpot this afternoon.

"The recent rumors regarding the release date of Halo 5: Guardians are false," a Microsoft representative said.

The rumor stems from 343 Industries new hire Mike Cavanaugh. He posted a picture (at exactly 3:43 PM) of himself at the studio standing under a countdown clock displaying "382." If this figure represents days, and we count forward 382 days, that gives us November 10, 2015.

We know Halo 5 is coming in fall 2015, and November 10 is a Tuesday--the day games are typically released in North America. On top of that, Halo games have a history of launching in early November. With the exception of Halo 3, all numbered entries in the franchise were released within the first two weeks of November. This pattern holds true for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which launches on November 11.

The true meaning of the 343 Industries countdown clock remains a mystery.

A beta for Halo 5, which runs at 1080p/60fps, will begin in late December for people who buy The Master Chief Collection. Regarding the game's story, while series protagonist Master Chief is at the heart of the narrative, another character--newcomer Agent Locke (a man you'll meet in Halo: Nightfall)--is also a primary character in the game.

For more on Halo 5, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.