Microsoft has started applying a free month of Xbox Live to the accounts of some customers. This gesture is related to the problems that Halo: The Master Chief Collection has faced.

Users need not do anything, as the month of service has already been applied your account if you received the message. This move was revealed in December when Microsoft announced a package intended as an apology for the Collection’s problems. Note that you need to have played the title online on or before December 19, 2014 to be eligible.

Additionally, users will get an exclusive in-game nameplate and avatar. Players will be getting the entire Halo 3: ODST campaign and the remade map Relic in the future. No Firefight mode is planned for ODST.

Thanks to those that sent in this tip.

Our Take

While we knew this was coming, it’s still worth reminding users that Microsoft is working to make this right (as Ubisoft has done with Assassin’s Creed and Sony with Driveclub). These apology items do not excuse poor launches, though. I’m comfortable saying that many gamers would simply prefer their purchases work at launch. For more, check out Matt Kato's take on the movement to give DLC as an apology.