Microsoft admits to Halo 3: ODST 'issues'

But no solution in sight

Microsoft has downplayed reports that a Halo 3: ODST disc error is causing gamers software and console problems.

The Xbox 360 game – the latest installment in the Halo series – was only released last week.

But gamers have already filled message boards with angry complaints about problems with the title which supposedly cause the Xbox 360 to issue a ‘Disc Unreadable’ error at random intervals – either before or during gameplay.

Bungie – the game’s developer – has already seen a related thread on its official Halo 3: ODST message board spread to 65 pages.

“My 360 has slowly started a downward spiral since ODST came out,” a Bungie forum poster said yesterday. “I am thinking of just returning the game before it completely destroys my 360.”

Another contributor said: “My Halo ODST disc became unreadable for countless times during a loading screen.”

Other posters have claimed that the game has caused unexplainable Xbox 360 shutdowns and mysterious errors with other titles, including Rock Band.

Microsoft hasn’t specifically addressed alleged technical issues related to the game or the console yet. But it has admitted that it’s “aware of a very small number of people who are reporting they can't play the game”.

The software giant promised website Eurogamer that it’s looking into the problem, but also claimed that “at this point” the alleged problems don’t appear to be a widespread issue.

We’ll bring you further information as we have it. ®