Halo: The Master Chief Collection's release was less than stellar. In fact, right off the bat, players were reporting connection issues with the game's matchmaking servers, with some having to wait for several hours before being able to connect. And those who were able to connect? They only found a few available matches in a span of six hours.
Microsoft, through 343 Industries, quickly took action, rolling out weekly updates and adjusting servers to address the issue. To make it up to players, Microsoft is also giving away a bunch of free stuff, including a remastered version of Halo 3: ODST.
Bonnie Ross, head of 343 Industries, made the announcement through Xbox Wire Friday, addressing the Xbox and Halo community. As a token of appreciation and a way to thank the fans for their continued understanding and support, Microsoft is offering for free: a one-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold; an exclusive in-game avatar; and an exclusive in-game nameplate.
"This has been a humbling experience and highlighted how we as a studio can - and need - to do better for Xbox fans around the world," wrote Ross, adding how grateful the game developer was for the fans' patience as it worked through the game's issues.
He also announced that a remastered Halo 3: ODST campaign will be made available in The Master Chief Collection, upgraded to run at 60 fps and incorporate 1080p resolution. At the same time, the Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer map "Relic" will also be provided, also upgraded to run at 60 fps and support 1080p resolution.
The ODST campaign and other freebies will be available to anyone who played The Master Chief Collection starting Nov. 11 until Dec. 19. The "Relic" map, on the other hand, will be available as a free content update to The Master Chief Collection that all online users can enjoy.
Eligible players can expect to enjoy their one-month Xbox Live Gold subscription as early as middle of January 2015, depending on their existing subscription type. Whatever the case, a confirmation will be sent to players through the in-console message center.
As for the exclusive in-game avatar and nameplate, it should be available within December when the next content update goes live, while the ODST campaign and "Relic" map have begun development and can be expected around spring 2015.
Halo 3: The Master Chief Collection launched for the Xbox One Nov. 11.
