Problems downloading maps, switching specializations

[Kevin Patrick Crough]

Hello Community. 

 

This is my first post here, so here's to making good first impressions - for both of us. 

 

On the release date, I purchased the Halo 4 Legendary edition - which had, among other things - a "season pass", that was supposed to grant access to subsequently released maps. 

 

I downloaded the Crimson Map Pack no problem. 

 

I stopped playing halo, went to law school (if you're thinking of going - ******* don't), and now spring breaks comes and I have a little breathing room to goof off in. I fired up the old Xbox 360, and fired up Halo 4. 

 

I was greeted by a screen, showing that two subsequent map packs had been released, "Majestic", and "Castle". The system recognized that I had purchased the season pass, and the box specifying price reads "Free". No problems there. 

 

However, when I try to download the map packs, I get error code 80153003. This error code led me to XBOX Live support, where I spent 72 fruitless hours troubleshooting and not being called back when promised. Which I should have expected. 

 

I have been through the steps of:

 

a) Deleting my profile, re-downloading my profile and then trying to download the maps. 

 

Deleting the "title update" for Halo 4, clearing system cache (3 times) and then re-downloading the title update, and then trying to download the maps. 

 

Each of these was met with no success. 

 

My first call to XBOX Live support ended with being told that there was ongoing maintenance on this very issue, and I was promised I would be called back within 24 hours regardless of the status of the progress. 

Needles to say, I was not called back. 

 

I called once the 24 hour window had expired, and was given the above troubleshooting steps. Once those were complete - to no avail - I was told there was ongoing maintenance on this very issue. Same promise, I was not called. 

 

I called again about 30 minutes ago, told them I had completed the troubleshooting steps and directly asked about the progress being made on the ongoing troubleshooting on this issue. I was told there was no troubleshooting on this issue. 

 

I kept my anger in check, and asked if there were further steps I could take to procure my content. They tried to tell me there was an issue with my Xbox communicating, which I immediately refuted. 

 

I preempted their line of questioning, and downloaded both the "Season 1.5 Spartan Ops", and "Championship" bundle, including the "Bullseye" map pack - both with absolutely no error codes, and they both worked perfectly upon download.

 

When I told them this, they said it had to be a problem with the "servers hosting the downloads" and told me I needed to contact the developer.

 

So here I am, at your mercy, $25 dollars out with only 1/3 map packs to show for it. I have a limited time to enjoy this game - Law School is a son of a ***** when it comes to eating your time. I really want to enjoy it this spring break.

 

Please, someone help. Thanks for your time.  

 

P.S. I am also having an issue switching specializations - but the previous matter takes precedent. If we can get me the maps, I don't really care if I stay level 60 for eternity. 

[Coldfreeze]

First of all: This isn't the official 343i forum, this is a fan community.

 

Second:

 

your problem seems very odd. inlcuding not being able to switch specializations is also very odd.

 

I recall you saying that in offline mode it seems to work, but connecting to online switches you back.

 

I looked up your problem and apparently a lot of people are having this problem, the xbox support forums are full of threads specifically made for the halo 4 war games pass.

 

It is a relatively new issue going back to the beginning of this march.

 

According to MS it is an issue on their side, they are working on it.

 

The error seems to be only related to the war games pass and has to do with a billing error, it recognizes the pass, but has trouble verifying it, making it seem it is downloading the map packs, but actually it faulted and does not work.

 

My advice is to just wait. I am sorry mate

[Kevin Patrick Crough]

I wasn't aware this was a fan community - thanks for the info - but XBL did direct me here. I posted here pursuant to their express directions. 

 

Also, I don't think posting to a fan community is necessarily a bad idea - because my post was linked to the official forum. 

https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2874636_Halo-4-War-Games-Map-Pass-Issues.aspx#post2874636

 

I have contacted BSangel on twitter and have got a response from her that they are working on the issue as well.

 

@NeCroughdamus Xbox Live is aware of the issue and working on it. You can poke your head in our support forum for updates. Jessica Shea (@bsangel)

 

When I do things, I like to get them done. Please do not mistake my activity for anything other than trying to raise awareness for this problem. It is obviously having an effect on more than just me - so spreading it across separate mediums seems only appropriate to help the issue be resolved. 

 

In any event, thank you for your reply and the subsequent research that you did. I appreciate it. This community has been great so far, in my limited interaction with it. 

[BeckoningZebra1]

I do hope this issue is resolved for all being affected by it, I'm glad to see you're actually seeking help rather than making blanket statements about how bad 343i and Microsoft are. 

 

As for your problem with gaining your new Specialization, here's a video showing how to unlock a new specialization:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdTgoqpXQrs

 

If this does not help with your issue of switching specializations, be sure to let us know. We may be a fan forum, but it's still our utmost priority to assist anyone who is in need of our services.

[Kevin Patrick Crough]

I've never had a single problem with 343i or Microsoft (I think I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have problems with specializations from LE content after launch) with regards to gaming content (let's not talk about Vista, and the Launch 360 hardware), and I have bought: Halo CE, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3 ODST, Halo Wars, Halo: Reach, Halo 4, and Halo CE: Anniversary from them. 

 

Nearly 10 titles and probably months of constant gameplay between them. Countless downloads, extended gaming sessions, etc. This is the first material problem I have ever had with them. While I do admit it is annoying, they have a very good track record with regards to gaming content in my opinion. Sorry to hear (and infer from your post) that the community doesn't seem to share my view.

 

I'm currently in class - I'll check the video as soon as I get home. Right now, it shows that the plug-in is broken - but my computer is old. I'll try it on my phone or a better computer later. 

 

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.