At this point, it's evident that Microsoft is revving up to really start pushing its highly anticipated shooter, Halo 5: Guardians. With E3 2015 getting closer with every passing second, the Xbox One exclusive is sure to be a focal point during the company's press briefing, and the software will undoubedtly generate a solid profit upon its arrival later this year.

One aspect of the game that Microsoft isn't looking to generate money from, however, is additional multiplayer maps. While this may come as a surprise to many, the publisher has decided to release any and all future downloadable Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer maps for free.

Stemming from the July issue of Game Informer – which has already unloaded a heap of information on fans in regards to the cast of characters that will be in play during the campaign – many were surprised by the news of the forthcoming DLC. The scoop comes from 343 Industries head Josh Holmes himself, and he explained why the team has decided to keep players engaged with the free content.

"When you have paid map packs and content, you divide the player base into two groups: the haves and the have-nots."

"The people that have the map pack can play together but the people who don't cannot. That to us is a real problem. So we're delivering all the maps to all players free so everybody will be able to play together. That, we feel, is really important to having a great multiplayer ecosystem."

Considering the fact that Halo 5: Guardians will feature 20 maps rights from the get-go, there's no question that there is already an ample amount to choose from. That said, there are 15 additional maps planned to release post-launch as gratuitous add-ons, which guarantees that the game will have legs in the weeks and months following its release.

Those DLC maps are all expected to be readily available to consumers by June, 2016 too, so they'll be rolling out at a rate that's equivalent to over two a month – although they could be released in packages rather than one at a time. Regardless, it's sure to be an enticing incentive for diehard fans and casual players alike, and the decision to make them all free ensures that more people will continue playing the game as well.

What do you think of Microsoft and 343 Industries releasing downloadable multiplayer maps for free in Halo 5? Will the free content keep you playing post-launch? Get at us in the comments!

Halo 5: Guardians is set to arrive exclusively for the Xbox One on October 27, 2015.

Game Informer has the exclusive on all of this news (plus more), so be sure to check out the print magazine for more details. Those that don’t want to pick up a paperback copy, however, can opt for the digital edition right now.

Source: Game Informer