Okay, let's assume the Halo 5 Beta goes as smooth as silk and barely needs any changes. Halo fans of all stripes wildly proclaim it's the best Halo of all time and the best competitive environment ever made.

The Beta ends. You now have to wait one full year before you get to play Halo 5 multiplayer on those same 7 maps again.

How will you feel about that wait, knowing what you know from the Beta? Think hard.

I know I'll be feeling pretty shitty knowing I could still be playing on those maps and that Halo 5 multiplayer could be earning big franchise credits in competitive circles. Forums could be filled to overflowing with vitriolic comments and begging for the game.

In some ways I think having the Halo 5 Beta a full year ahead is a marketing mistake, unless 343i announces a much earlier release for it.