Now I know what you're thinking "it's just another one of those threads.[/url] Bu hear me out.
From the recent contract leak that happened back in May, we know that Bungie plans on releasing this game in 2013. Based on history, it would be easy to assume Q4 of 2013, as most (if not all of their games) have been released then. SO, this leaves Bungie a year or so to build up hype.
"Release" means you actually buy the game disc, go home sit on your couch and enjoy a new Bungie game. It's July. JULY. Just as a check, we're more than halfway through 2012 already. IF Bungie is going to start building up some hype and a fan base for their new game they should be announcing it "officially" before the summer ends, in my mind.
Halo CE was announced in 2000, Halo 2 in 2002, Halo 3 in 2006, ODST in 2008 and Halo Reach in 2009. These projects were announced well in a year in advance. Now with Bungie day right around the corner, I'm not saying they will announce anything officially (they probably won't) but what you and I should be looking for is information (a timeline) on when this will go down.
Bungie is done with Halo. The Halo forums shouldn't exist on this website - maybe condense them into one forum? I feel that over the next 3 months we are going to pick up many different clues here and there about their next IP. Bungie doesn't have much time. And with all the recent talk of "crunch time" in the mail sacks and DeeJ teasing, we know they're obviously up to something.
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter, I can feel it :)