I don't agree with this mostly because I don't think they would've emphasized them being ON TRACK in their last weekly update when it would've been far easier (and normal for the way they provide information) to just not mention if they are on track or not. I could of course be putting to much faith in their words, but I doubt that if they tell us they are on track (and that it's displayed thus in their studio) that walking into their studio we'd find a different status shown.

They say they're "ON TRACK" but they don't say what they're "ON TRACK" for, nor how nearly they're clearing the bar. It's entirely possible they're barely on track for a BF4-style beta/network test. They're still in pre-alpha. Then they have to get to alpha. Then they have to get to beta. Then they have to go gold. That's a tough road to hoe, especially when the beta is public and requires extra effort just to make it presentable. It's more plausible if you assume the "beta" is basically gold save for some minor tweaks.

Bungie were already way behind schedule when they pushed the release date back to 9/9, and I don't think things have much improved. Especially with Marty's departure and their rumored lack of preparation to fill the hole, they need all the time they can get -- I don't think it's feasible for them to produce a solid-enough public beta months ahead of release.

I don't agree with this mostly because I don't think they would've emphasized them being ON TRACK in their last weekly update when it would've been far easier (and normal for the way they provide information) to just not mention if they are on track or not. I could of course be putting to much faith in their words, but I doubt that if they tell us they are on track (and that it's displayed thus in their studio) that walking into their studio we'd find a different status shown.

Technically the summer starts on June 21, though I wouldn't mind an advanced week or so. You know... for science.

Dammit. Hold on a second...

<...re-calibrates expectations...>

Alright, how about late June then? Although, how long will the beta be, I wonder? I was thinking months long, but I guess that doesn't make much sense.

Maybe 3-4 weeks, like all of July? Then, tweaks through August before release September 9.

The TSD Chronolology Crew has already done the heavy lifting and made the definitive guesstimate on this issue here.

I'd like to revise the prediction, though, and place more emphasis on the BF4-style "beta" I mention in the last paragraph. That is, a beta that is a small portion of a 99% finished game and amounts to what is basically a network test a couple of weeks prior to full release.

Bungie were already way behind schedule when they pushed the release date back to 9/9, and I don't think things have much improved. Especially with Marty's departure and their rumored lack of preparation to fill the hole, they need all the time they can get -- I don't think it's feasible for them to produce a solid-enough public beta months ahead of release. Keep in mind that even though betas are advertised as unfinished products, there's still a lot of work involved in wrapping things up and QAing stuff to present a product that doesn't embarrass you. That's work they would rather spend on development.

Alright, how about late June then? Although, how long will the beta be, I wonder? I was thinking months long, but I guess that doesn't make much sense.

Maybe 3-4 weeks, like all of July? Then, tweaks through August before release September 9.

Yeah if Reach is any indication 2-3 weeks seems likely. Though with a game this large they may have a full month, at least we can hope!

Technically the summer starts on June 21, though I wouldn't mind an advanced week or so. You know... for science.

Dammit. Hold on a second...

<...re-calibrates expectations...>

Alright, how about late June then? Although, how long will the beta be, I wonder? I was thinking months long, but I guess that doesn't make much sense.

Maybe 3-4 weeks, like all of July? Then, tweaks through August before release September 9.

Such a mixed bag. I'm not really certain what I should be feeling. Excited? Melancholy? Eager? Angry?

I really hope this next few weeks are positive. I really hope what we begin to see is what we hoped for (whatever that is!). I really hope the beta starts sooner (late May) than later (July).

Mostly, I'm just ready to see if I Destiny is a game that I will love to play. I hope it is. I guess I'm not ready for my love affair with Bungie to be over.

Technically the summer starts on June 21, though I wouldn't mind an advanced week or so. You know... for science.

"For you, that means the floodgates are about to burst wide open. Earlier this week, we cracked the lid on our pre-alpha build for a few dozen journalists. We nervously hovered, hoping what they saw and played lived up to their expectations for us. We huddled in the aftermath, wondering what they’ll tell you about what we’ve been up to – about the promises we’ve made.

You’ll be hearing from them soon. They’ll be loaded with shiny new assets. It will mark the beginning of your true introduction into the world of Destiny. We hope, more than anything, that you love what you see."

hmmm... what kind of info do you guys think will be pouring out of the "floodgates" in the coming weeks? Perhaps a Beta release date? New gameplay? E3 details?

All that matters is our collective response.

Here is my guess - regardless of content:

We haven't seen anything but the bread crumbs. Soon... like wolves, we shall feast.

I really hope this next few weeks are positive. I really hope what we begin to see is what we hoped for (whatever that is!). I really hope the beta starts sooner (late May) than later (July).

Mostly, I'm just ready to see if I Destiny is a game that I will love to play. I hope it is. I guess I'm not ready for my love affair with Bungie to be over.

Have we seen that screenshot before?

Not that I'm aware of.