In response to the widespread server issues that marred the release of Halo: The Master Chief Collection late last year, Microsoft announced a compensation package that included a free copy of a remastered version of 2009's Halo 3: ODST. But bringing this game to Xbox One was never the plan.

"We did not plan on putting ODST out," she said as part of the latest Gamer Girls Gone Wild podcast. "I mean, I love ODST. But we did not plan on putting it out. We were pretty deliberate on Master Chief's journey leading up to Halo 5 as being The Master Chief Collection."

Halo 3: ODST, unlike the four other games included with The Master Chief Collection (Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4), does not feature Master Chief himself. Instead, in that game--developed by Bungie--you play as an Orbital Drop Shock Tropper.

So why include it with The Master Chief Collection? It's what fans wanted, Ross said.

"Obviously when we had the stumble [with The Master Chief Collection], I think when we looked at what people were asking for, before the stumble and after, what they would love have," she said. "ODST was on the top of the list. So that's why we did it. But we had no plans to do it prior to that."

You can see a work-in-progress screenshot for the updated version of Halo 3: ODST above. Microsoft has not yet announced a launch date for the new edition of ODST. We'll have that information to you as soon as it's available.

In addition to a free copy of ODST, Microsoft already handed out a free month of Xbox Live Gold to make up for The Master Chief Collection's launch woes. Players will also get the Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer map Relic for free. Anyone who bought The Master Chief Collection between launch (November 11) and December 19 is eligible for the freebies.