Halo 3: ODST remaster coming to The Master Chief Collection for free as apology to players

Microsoft is giving Halo: The Master Chief Collection players free content, including an upgraded version of Halo 3: ODST and additional multiplayer content from Halo 2 Anniversary, in an attempt to make good on the technical woes that plagued the Xbox One game since launch.

Bonnie Ross, head of Halo developer 343 Industries, outlined Microsoft's mea culpa today, writing that The Master Chief Collection's poor performance on Xbox One has been "a humbling experience and highlighted how we as a studio can — and need — to do better for Xbox fans around the world."

As part of its apology to Halo fans, Microsoft and 343 Industries will give current owners of the game some freebies.

Xbox One owners who played Halo: The Master Chief Collection between the game's launch on Nov. 11, and today, Dec. 19, will be eligible to get one free month of Xbox Live Gold, an exclusive in-game nameplate and an in-game exclusive avatar.

343 Industries will also bring new content to The Master Chief Collection, including an upgraded version of Halo 3: ODST's campaign and the Relic multiplayer map from Halo 2: Anniversary, both of which will run at 60 frames per second and 1080p resolution. 343 does not plan to bring Halo 3: ODST's Firefight mode to The Master Chief Collection, the developer says in a FAQ, which details the roll out and eligibility requirements for that extra content.

Halo 3: ODST and the Relic map are expected to join The Master Chief Collection sometime during spring 2015.

"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," Ross said in her letter to Halo fans. "We are truly sorry and thank you for your continued patience and support of the Halo franchise."

Halo: The Master Chief Collection launched on Xbox One on Nov. 11, but was plagued with matchmaking issues that affected the game's multiplayer component. Two weeks after launch, Ross formally apologized for the game's performance, saying, "Our primary and continued focus is first on fixing the issues at hand. Once we've done that, we will detail how we will make this right with our fans."

For more on The Master Chief Collection, read Polygon's review.