Microsoft was quick to shoot down rumors of a November 2015 release date for Halo 5: Guardians.

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

Rumor mills had been fueled by a photo posted by Mike Cavanagh, 343 Industries new recruit for Halo 5: Guardians, via Twitter last Oct. 24.

Captured in this image was a clock displaying "382," which many speculated to represent the days before Halo 5: Guardians will be completed.

Counting forward from the day the photo was posted, it gives Nov. 10, 2015, which falls on a Tuesday – a typical day of the week when games are launched.

The Halo franchise also has a history of unwrapping games in early November, with all numbered titles released within the first two weeks of the month.

With Microsoft's denial, the real meaning of the 343 Industries' countdown timer puzzles the gaming community.

According to Microsoft Store, the Halo 5: Guardians release date is slated for Dec. 31, 2015.

A full Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta is giving a foretaste of the gameplay in this fifth installment, and will run from Dec. 29, 2014 until Jan. 18, 2015.

"Featuring intense 4 vs. 4 showdowns, arena combat in Halo 5: Guardians will focus on providing matches that are perfectly balanced and competitive. The multiplayer beta includes seven maps and three game types, as well as a variety of different armor sets to customize your Spartan. Throughout the beta, players will have the opportunity provide feedback through the newly announced Halo Channel," according to the game's official website.

Meanwhile, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is arriving this Nov. 11 for Xbox One, which includes a re-mastered version of Halo 2, to mark the 10^th anniversary of this classic fan favorite.