In an interview with pro-gaming site ESEA News, Valve's Chet Faliszek has confirmed that the beta for Counter Strike: Global Offensive won't be kicking off in October as originally intended, in response to feedback from professional gamers.
When the beta does launch, Faliszek said, it will only feature one or two maps, but will gradually expand to include all the content from the final game. That will enable Valve to exhaustively test every aspect of the game for necessary balance and polish before the final retail release.
The developer is also planning to make the beta a sizeable affair, with something on the order of 10,000 testers participating at the start. Those folks will have access to a few features that haven't been on display, including an upgraded crosshair that features weapon info and a spectator feature that borrows tech from Valve's other eSports focused title, Dota 2.
Even with the delayed beta, Counter Strike: GO remains on track for a release on the XBLA, PSN, and PC in the first half of next year.