343 Announces Free Halo 3: ODST Remastered For Those Affected by The Master Chief Collection Issues

343 Announces Free Halo 3: ODST Remastered For Those Affected by The Master Chief Collection Issues

109
Richard Walker

Having been plagued with matchmaking issues for the best part of a month, 343 Industries has detailed how it'll be making up for the rocky launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection. As an apology, it's pretty good. Those who've logged online playtime in The Master Chief Collection between November 11th and December 19th will get the remastered Halo 3: ODST campaign for free.

That's not all though. The following items will also be offered for free:

  • 1 Month of Xbox Live Gold
  • Exclusive In-Game Nameplate
  • Exclusive In-Game Avatar

Here's the main bit:

  • Halo 3: ODST Campaign – Development has just started on the campaign for Halo 3: ODST, which will be available within Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and upgraded to 1080p resolution, running at 60fps. It will be available for free to anyone who has played Halo: The Master Chief Collection since launch (11.11.14) through today (12.19.14).* Thanks to our friends at Bungie for creating the original “Halo 3: ODST” campaign.
     
  • “Relic” Halo 2: Anniversary Multiplayer Map – Available via a free content update to Halo: The Master Chief Collection, we will reimagine the fan-favorite map “Relic,” fully remastered and running at 1080p resolution and 60fps. We chose this map based on its suitability for Slayer and Objective modes and its ability to support teams of varying sizes. And you can trust that Certain Affinity will tune and tweak the map to make it even better than you remember.

As for getting Halo: The Master Chief Collection working properly, 343 head Bonnie Ross announced that more updates are on the way. "Next week, we’ll release a content update that will add all 10 episodes of the cooperative experience “Spartan Ops” for Halo 4, and will address other issues.  I assure you that the team will continue to work on additional content updates to further improve the all-up gameplay experience."

She adds: "The satisfaction and joy of our fans is absolutely critical to everyone at 343 Industries and we regret the issues and the frustration you have endured.  We are truly sorry and thank you for your continued patience and support of the Halo franchise."

For more details on claiming your free copy of Halo 3: ODST for Xbox One, head to the FAQ here.

Comments
109
  • I was saying they should give this for free to my mate. will be even better if they have achievementswith it
  • I hope it registered the one game I managed to get into, when the game first launched, haven't played the mp since as been too busy with the campaigns and other bits and bobs(mainly other xbox one and ps4 games)
  • I avoided multiplayer because of the issues and have only played campaign, does this mean I've been screwed?
  • That's pretty awesome.
  • It sucks to see games being released broken, but at least 343 (and Ubisoft with Unity) are saying sorry to their fans. Giving away an entire game AND a month of gold is pretty generous.
  • @2 & 3 I believe it's if you played MCC in general not just multiplayer.
  • This is happening way too often in the gaming industry now. Its just become the norm for games to be broken at launch. This was my most looked forward to Xbox One game. Still haven't been able to play it.
  • Haha and i thought it was a good idea to wait until it was fixed.. oh well i don't mind paying for ODST again, it's a fun game to play with a friend. lets hope they add firefight with matchmaking in the future too! Also a terminal remake, i love that map And spectres in forge
  • @6 I really hope so. ODST is my favorite Halo.
  • if it doesn't have cheevos... dont want to play ODST again -_- and people who aren't affected because they did not play or haven't bought the game yet? will they have to buy ODST or even the possibility to buy it.. throw in a Reach remaster and you have it all -_- getting less and less interested in getting this
  • Well that fucking sucks. I've had The Master Chief Collection since release day, but haven't played it yet as I got a PS4 the same day and have been on that instead...
  • Now THIS is how you say sorry for a bungled launch. Memo to EA & DICE: pay attention. You chucklefucks lost my long standing Battlefield loyalty because of your gross incompetence. Thank you 343.
  • @11 I hear ya, had it myself but gave up trying to login to MP cause it kept crashing, so my attempt probs wont be counted
  • Yeah. Just a pity I have 7gigs left. Fed up starting games only for it to say update required. More gigs used.
  • This is a great response from 343. They have clearly listened to the fans and tried to compensate for the issues encountered. I'm happy.
  • @14 WAIT, WHAT!?!?!? The Xbox One has only been out for 1 year, and the few amount of games released already take up 500 GB? Are you kidding me? Microsoft really needs to fix their system (can't speak for PS4, know nothing about it) and stop making you have to download all the games. Why can't it be simple like the 360?
  • I cant say anything on this site without getting down voted this community is going to shit. can't honestly see what was negative about my comment.
  • Cool, very good of them.
  • called it
  • @ 16 yes. When installed games take up 25 - 50 gigs, it fills up a hd pretty fast. On topic: I'm going to be really pissed if it's just free for those who have played MP. I was purposely not playing until it was fixed.
  • I would also want a confirmation if the "Online" as 343i is reffering to means online multiplayer, or that I've just been online playing campaign n stuff. As both I and my GF, and many more, avoided the Multiplayer because of how broken it was in the beginning (still is?). Multiplayer isn't the only thing buggy as well. Any confirmation would be awesome.
  • Online playtime is only needed, this means that you played MCC while connected to xbox live, SP or MP, it does not matter, you will be eligible if you played either online between the dates stated. Hope this clears up some confusion.
  • @16 where have you been? Most of us have external hard drives to combat the small built in hard drive of the one.
  • good thing I wasn't a bitch and I played the MP. hahaha to all you whiners who waited
  • I would rather Halo Reach even if I had to pay Reach was better then ODST hopefully they do Reach after ODST but at a fee
  • What about those who tried to get into an oline game and gave up after being unale to get a game?
  • Ah, the FAQ states that you needed to have been online while playing, which I know my friend has done. Can't wait for ODST, and not just because it's main voice actors are from Firefly. It actually had a good story and good ideas and they implemented it well in the gameplay. I would love Firefight though, but it doesn't have to be ODST Firefight, what I would really enjoy would be a firefight mode across all games.
  • Loved odst for the story and firefly voice acting. If I don't get it free, I did boot up the game and get one achievement online, I'll buy odst. It's ny favorite halo. Great news.
  • it will most likely have achievements
  • Reads this... on the 20th.. great, just great :/.
  • If 343 was a woman I'd have to marry her.
  • With Bethesda as my bit on the side...
  • @11 Cry me a river. If you haven't even played MCC, then you haven't even been affected by all the problems anyway. OT - good news for me. ODST was pretty good, and looking forward to playing a remastered version :)
  • I haven't played matchmaking but played the Single Player while online, am I eligible?
  • @ #12 .. you know DICE/EA is working on more DLC (there have been polls on old maps from older BF games) and they announced more dlc.. IDK if it's free as a compensation for a shit launch like Ubisoft and 343 are doing or if it's extension to premium we'll have to wait and see, BUT they are working on it
  • I've had the MCC since my birthday (dec 3rd) and haven't been able to connect to Xbox live to set up my Xbox one due to us working on the house. Does this mean I cannot access this content? If I can just buy it, I have no complaint, but if it's forever lost to me then I'm pretty displeased.
  • @37 If you haven't played the game at all online (Sp or MP) between the dates stated then no you are not eligible for the free game or nameplate/avatar. You will get the ree remastered relic map though. 343 have not stated if they will release the ODST game for seperate purchase but im sure they will since it will just be more revenue.
  • I've tried to do online many times since launch, always failing, but managed to get one match in on Thanksgiving, so hopfully thats enought to get me ODST.
  • On a side note, I would like to see them add Reach and Halo Wars campaigns as more DLC. Might as well have to whole series in the collection before Halo 5 comes out.
  • Not even touched the MP on this.. Got the game a day early and played it for a week and a half from that day... Alas I've been pre occupied with family and stuff.. But damn.. A free game.. I'm not complaining.
  • @16 ive had my one since may 4gb left and ive uninstalled Bf4/Diablo ros. Gta is 50gb, halo mcc is currently 58gb. Add in a few 40gb games and yea you get fucked quickly
  • Good thing I didn't hold off buying it until it was completely fixed.
  • I do hope I get this. I got into 3 or 4 matches at launch and then decided to wait because it was to much hassle but I have played the campaigns quite a bit afterwards
  • So when is Halo ODST available to download? I had HMCC from day one and managed to get into a few online games! :)
  • This is cool... Hopefully it is for playing while online at all whether solo coop or competitive... Really hope to get this and then hopefully they add reach to top it all off... Then halo 5 for full halo experience on Xbox one... Wishful thinking
  • Kinda hoping people who havnt play MCC yet can still atlease buy ODSTR.
  • @47 I think they allow you to buy it because I dont think they would pass up that money making opportunity however I think you'll still need MCC as it will probably be built in as a dlc option...
  • Really? So many people accept this as compensation for not being able to play a $60 game for over a month? The day the halo 5 beta launches for the rest of us, I'll literally have played more of it than halo mcc multiplayer. At least Unity season pass holders were offered a DIFFERENT game as compensation...giving me free dlc (from the worst game in the franchise) for a game I can't play hardly makes up for this disappointment. I at least expected that they'd offer up a Microsoft Studios launch title as compensation...
  • Nevermind the fact that if they truly "just started" working on the port of ODST, it'll come out as dlc after Halo 5 launches...
  • @10 why in the world do you think someone should get odst free if they did not buy halo, and had not been negatively impacted by the issues? Do you expect to be given the game just because you exist? @16 it is like this on my ps4 too. Game installs take up on average to 20-50 gb per retail release. This is why you can delete them and re download as needed, and you have the option to add external memory. My 360 suffers the same conundrum. Memory fills up but I have external memory options to utilize. Sucks even more on the wii-u. It should have been a terabyte for both consoles at release.
  • Well shit, I never even tried matchmaking because of the issues and stuck to custom games and campaign. Considering co op campaign is virtually unplayable due to vomit inducing lag and constant disconnects, I hope co op counts as online play. If not, hopefully they'll sell ODST so I can at least buy it.
  • @16 Buy a external HDD for less than £50...
  • @49, 50 The linked article states ODST will be ready Spring 2015. As well as just about every update to the MCC has been to hammer and patch the matchmaking. Maybe the multiplayer being broken for a few weeks was *you* being unable to play the game for a month, but dont speak for the rest of us. I've been playing the campaigns quite successfully since November 11th, as well as custom games and couch multi. Still trying to push through the Halo 2 campaign on Legendary with my younger brother. ODST is actually one of my favourite games. This free addition is more than welcomed. I didnt expect to get it, yet here we are. They didnt have to give you a damn thing. But you're getting a free month of xbox live and a free six hour campaign/game after spending a month diligently repairing it. So... what exactly have you lost out on here?
  • @52 I havent had the same co-op issues as you except one mission in Halo 2 was just downright broken (co op only). But the linked article states says it'll be anyone who logged any time with the game. Single or multi. Just logged into xbox live.
  • @52: Read the FAQs, sounds like anyone who simply booted up the game while connected to Xbox Live is eligible. If not dont care, ill buy it.
  • @49 i would agree with you except for the fact that no one was unable to play this for over a month . The online section ,which granted is a large part ,was dodgy and unplayable for many people but there was still a rather considerable amount of SP content to play through.
  • I wish it was Reach! Still awesome they're making up for it though :)
  • This is so awesome :)
  • Are you kidding me?!!? I bought this on release day but didn't play it because I was waiting for it to be fixed! Figured I would catch up on my backlog! This is horse manure!
  • This is a nice make-up thing, ODST was far, FAR better then the standard Halo3. The state of the MCC has just been horrific, multiplayer wise.
  • Honestly this is it? A Month of XBL, some in game bullshit the CAMPAIGN of a 6 year old game and ONE MP map we should already have? What a fucking joke dude. UbiSoft gave us a free game or the entire DLC for free. Give out copies of Sunset Overdrive or some shit dude full refunds if anything
  • One of my favourite Halo games remastered for free? You f'n rock 343! Classy.
  • @64 Stop looking at the glass as half-empty. If you re-read THE ENTIRE ARTICLE... you'll see the glass is quite full!
  • Simple fact is that if they gave a fuck about their customer it should of not been released in the state it was in. The ONLY reason they are doing this is to try and keep their customers. I certainly won't be buying the next 343 game
  • @64 moans at getting a 6 year old game yet the whole collection is full of old games. Halo CE 12 year old. Halo 2 10 year old. Halo 3 7year old and halo 4 isn't that old. @16 Plug in a 1TB or higher external hard drive problem solved
  • Regarding ODST... I was wondering if that was coming to the One or not. I loved the game. Quite a unique game and story, not to mention an original soundtrack, which I liked so much... I bought the 2-CD set! Off-Topic: If anyone is wondering about the multiplayer for "Halo 5: Guardians..." it is AWESOME!!! I started playing it last night, and I can't wait to get on it again tonight. It's pretty sweet! I haven't played Halo MP in a while (been to-much into the Halo:MCC campaign), I was pretty rusty. The last game before I got too tired last night and stopped... I totally ran over the other team, leading my team in kills 3-to-1. We plastered them. I'm getting my Halo MP mojo back!!
  • Well damn. Wish they'd have held the offer back a few days, not able t get a One until Wednesday XD
  • 49 and 64 are ungrateful dickbags. They are attempting to make amends. Give a gamer something free, and they want to know why they didn't get a different free game yesterday instead.
  • this really sickens me. 343 said they were never going to do name plates when they released H4. I've had my MCC copy since release date and was waiting til H5 mp beta to start up. Thanks 343 for not using any Vaseline.
  • Called it! I guessed this but was hoping for Reach.. Less work though as its based on Halo3. Still so awesome, worth the frustration to me..almost.
  • I kind of hope they rename it Halo: ODST. The "3" didn't feel right for a game set during the second games timeline. I felt the same with Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn. The "4" wasn't necessary. Maybe, I'm just being too picky. Either way, I'm lookig forward to playing it again. If I could only finish out the achievements on the first version, though.
  • You are honestly sucking 343 and Microsoft's dick if you are okay with this. You spent $60+ for a broken, non working game and they pay you back in content that's not worth that much. Shit if I got a refund I'd at least be happy to get my money back.
  • Thanks for not giving me credit for sending this info into to you guys through email to xboxachievements.org. Either way, I'm still waiting to get an Xbox One until they release the inevitable slim version and Crackdown 3 as well as patch the living hell out of the MCC. At least the people that stuck with MCC from the start get some kind of compensation.
  • I had a feeling we'd get a free game as an apology...pretty excited honestly
  • @75 Well I mean we pretty much get 5 FULL games for the price of one. That alone justifies the price tag. Just because the multiplayer doesn't really work at the moment doesn't mean the game has lesser value. It'll get fixed eventually. If you really want a refund, go get one, no one's stopping you. If not, then shut up and enjoy your great value.
  • @78 Value? Are you daft? They are giving you HALF of a 6 year old game how does the even come close to making up for a $60 game not working at launch and STILL not working? You're getting the CAMPAIGN of ODST (no firefight CAMPAIGN), ONE ONE ONE multiplayer map that should have already been in the game (assuming the other 13-16 maps ate going to be paid DLC), and the remaining episodes or Spartan ops that should already be in the game? We're getting pieces that should have already been included in the game that was being held out as DLC for free and people like you are eating this shit up. If this is what "next-gen" has to offer than gaming just needs to start over from scratch dude
  • "Value"LMFAOOOOOO
  • Like this is why gaming is as garbage as it is in this day and age because publishers and developers just keep fucking us in the ass and we take it with a smile on our face and beg for more
  • @76 oh yeah cheers for using the internet dick head
  • For those unsure as to eligibility and availability, here's some more information from Microsoft and 343i themselves https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/halo-the-master-chief-collection-thank-you-faq Enjoy! I hope this helps clear up some confusion. It appears that it will be available to everyone, free or purchased, the whole community will be able to get their hands on ODST, which is AWESOME!! I loved ODST!
  • Too everyone flaming 343 and this thread, try to remember that these devs take pride in the work they do and they work for companies that report to shareholders. This is no joke to them; these issues, and the ones that Hi soft had on AC:Unity, are a huge kick in the sack for these people. Be assured they take it seriously. Giving away an entire game free, or making planned DLC free for all (as Ubisoft has done, will have significant and lasting financial ramifications for these companies and the sting of it will serve as a grim reminder to all devs and publishers to get it right the first time. All over the world, Devs/publishers looking at their schedules are now balancing the need for early revenue against the need to not have launch issues. "We don't want to be in 343/Ubisoft's shoes" is probably mentioned in response to every unreasonably tight timeline that's proposed. Games will not always come out broken; the cost to the company and the brand is too high for this to become business as usual, but sometimes, shit happens. When it does, it's nice for the devs and publishers to acknowledge it. When my Internet stops working, my f'n provider sure as hell doesn't offer me a freebie by way of apology. Not saying this situation is good, but now that it's gone shitty, the focus needs to be on the recovery, and that's been steady. It's December; the people complaining about this loudest probably have at least three November releases in their backlog; play something else for awhile. Life goes on and the game will be better for it. I thought I was negative; some of you guys make me look like an eternal optimist. Brutal.
  • @81 - Ha! We're all just gluttons for punishment!!
  • I just hear a bunch of over privileged babies crying for more..... Pull the stick out of your ass and be happy they gave anything. Even with broken multiplayer the MCC campaigns are worth the $60...
  • What's a shame is that I bought this game on release day, or soon thereafter for the pre-order bonus, but I haven't had a chance to play it yet; which means I don't get ODST for free on the One. If I want to play it I bet I'll have to pay another $30 and that hurts.
  • 2014: The year of apologetic broken games.
  • Odst was so bad:(((
  • Fix the game!
  • That game was such shit. What a joke lol 343
  • ODST has the best campaign out of the Halo games, by far. It has a clear story and the characters actually have depth.
  • Would prefer halo reach as ODST was shit.
  • They did ODST because it is built within Halo 3 engine. They already did the work so ODST will be an easy transfer over... REACH would take at least another year to bring over.
  • ODST was a great game. It made a nice change from being a Spartan all the time. Shame there's no Firefight though.
  • Still think its funny people bitch and bitch about free... Wish people knew they don't have to give you shit... No updates no dlc no games... Why are people so inclined to think a good gesture will bring on more good gestures if they are unwelcome the first time around. Stop bitching about absolute everything to make yourself seem cool... Its not cool, its stupid... Grow up children and realize your not entitled to anything in compensation. They gave you what you bought... It may be broken or not working correctly but you got what you paid for. All they have to do is fix it and nothing else. Hell they don't have to do that. It just means they aren't moral or ethical if they don't... Just stop all your damn bitching.
  • YES! i was worried about not getting since i got a refund for my copy(used it to get dragon age)but since it is date specific i'll get it....i'll rebuy it just for odst remastered
  • Errbody just settle down and enjoy what they've done right about the game. Accept 343i and their gestures toward fixing these issues.
  • ODST is by far the worst halo. Shame on you 343, what a pathetic attempt at making amends
  • i buy almost everything except food and clothing from online auctions most people aren’t aware of the almost I unbelievable deals that they can get from online auction sites the site that has the best deals is............................ Great Deal Freely Just Check Out.... www.MoneyKin.Com
  • LOUD NOISES!!!!!!!
  • You can never find a company this generous. I love you 343
  • So do you have to have played online multiplayer to be able to get these rewards? because i bought MCC the night it came out and ive been playing every couple days when i can since, and i havent found 1 multiplayer game that i was able to join. ODST was my favorite halo campaign, im really hoping im able to get this.
  • @103 As long as you were connected to the net whilst playing you are eligible.
  • Step 1. Give us a better free game, ODST is trash. Step 2. Fix the broken, unplayable mess known as mcc, as much as humanly possible. Step 3. Get the CEO of 343 to write a lengthy apology to the long time loyal fans who got screwed over. Then you as a company will be well on your way to redeeming yourselves, then proceed to keep working on making halo 5 a better game.
  • @105... Answer 1: ODST is a fun Campaign and is FREE.... Stop bitching! Answer 2: They are rolling out at least one update a week to fix the issue. You are not in any field related to the industry so you have no idea what is wrpng and how much work they are putting into this. They are fixing it. Answer 3: Are yoi blind the head of 343i has written multiple letters, geld press conferences, and posted videos to Youtube and XboxWire. Grow up and stop bitching about something you only have the end user experience with. $15 for each original game pluss the free ODST is an amazing deal. Other games multiplayer DLC is three maps for $15-$20. The MCC is a GREAT value and i appreciate everyrhing 343i is doing to rectify the game problems.
  • this is so awesome.. I expect them to remaster reach and have that be DLC along with all the other halo 2 maps probably being remastered. I'll take ODST, it's a free game.. But like the other guy said if there's no achievements then I'm not going to replay it.
  • Agreed acheivements tied to the game would be awesome... However I would hope that the medals earned in the game and playing the levels will go toward the medal count and games played acheivements... So it kind of has acheivements and breaks up having to play the other missions over and over...
  • @106 Man... theres not even a point to paying any heed to some people like that guy. Its just pent up negativity and entitlement. It sucks, but its not like it was the end of the world, having a crummy multiplayer experience for the first two-three weeks.
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