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Disgruntled Xbox Players Will Get Free Game

Microsoft apologizes for swamped system over holidays

By Laila Weir,  Newser User

Posted Jan 4, 2008 3:19 PM CST

(Newser) – Microsoft apologized to Xbox players who weren’t able to access its online gaming system over Christmas and promised them a free game to make up for it. The software company said the system got swamped by too many users trying to play at once. Members of the service will get a free Xbox Live Arcade game, reports the BBC.

All 8 million members will be entitled to one of the games, normally up to $20 each. "While the service was not completely offline at any given time, we are disappointed in our performance," wrote Xbox Live’s general manager. The site lets Xbox players challenge or help each other, download games, and watch shows.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, right, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson talk about Microsoft's Xbox, which Gates unveiled during his keynote speech, at the Consumer Electonics Show in Las Vegas, in this Jan. 6, 2001 file photo. The Xbox became Microsoft's most successful piece of hardware. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, file)
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, right, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson talk about Microsoft's Xbox, which Gates unveiled during his keynote speech, at the Consumer Electonics Show in Las Vegas, in this Jan....   (Associated Press)
Microsoft provided this photo of an XBOX 360 console with HD DVD player and hard drive. With the Xbox LIVE online service, the 360 can be used to buy TV downloads or rent standard- and high-definition movies. (AP Photo/Microsoft/Douglas Evans, ho)
Microsoft provided this photo of an XBOX 360 console with HD DVD player and hard drive. With the Xbox LIVE online service, the 360 can be used to buy TV downloads or rent standard- and high-definition...   (Associated Press)
Wavy effects and strange atmospheres permeate BioShock, an underwater shooter due out for the Xbox 360 next year. (AP Photo/HO/2K Games,File)
Wavy effects and strange atmospheres permeate BioShock, an underwater shooter due out for the Xbox 360 next year. (AP Photo/HO/2K Games,File)   (Associated Press)
This photo released by Microsoft Game Studios shows a screen grab of Microsoft's Mass Effect. (AP Photo/Microsoft Game Studios/BioWare Corp.)
This photo released by Microsoft Game Studios shows a screen grab of Microsoft's "Mass Effect." (AP Photo/Microsoft Game Studios/BioWare Corp.)   (Associated Press)
This photo released by Microsoft Corp shows a screen grab from Mass Effect.(AP Photo/Microsoft Corp)
This photo released by Microsoft Corp shows a screen grab from "Mass Effect".(AP Photo/Microsoft Corp)   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
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Read BBC's technology editor's comments on the Xbox gaffe
BBC

Microsoft's statement
Majornelson.com

 
Microsoft • Xbox • Xbox Live • online gaming • video games

 
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