Microsoft, Bungie face Halo 3 class action

By Stephen Withers
Friday, 23 November 2007 01:44

Entertainment

A California resident has brought a class action suit against Microsoft and Bungie alleging that Halo 3 is not fit for its purpose of being played on an Xbox 360.

The suit claims "Halo 3 does not function with the Xbox 360, and to the contrary, attempted use of Halo 3 consistently causes the Xbox 360 to 'crash,' 'freeze,' or 'lock up' while the game is being played."

Furthermore, it alleges that despite consumer complaints, Microsoft and Bungie have failed to recall or rectify the game.

"Many consumers have reported that the Halo 3 video game has caused their Xbox video game consoles to crash and remain totally inoperable after playing the Halo 3 video game", the suit asserts.

The action seeks unspecified "appropriate monetary and equitable relief". Due to the size of the class - Californian purchasers of Halo 3 - this will run into millions of dollars.

To put that into perspective, Microsoft reported Halo 3's first week sales reached $US300 million.