Lawsuit prevents Microsoft comment on XBL status (News)

Blake Snow, GamePro (online)

14/01/2008 19:41:33

Major Nelson says he can no longer update gamers on Xbox Live outages due to pending litigation.

"Unfortunately... a lawyer has decided to sue us," said Nelson in his latest podcast. "Once that happens I can no longer make a comment [regarding the status of Xbox Live]. I apologise, but go talk to the lawyer."

Last week, Microsoft blamed server strain for ongoing breaks in service. Intermittent problems, such as an inability to login and play online, started over the holidays after a high number of new 360 owners joined Xbox Live.

Earlier this month, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Microsoft seeking US$5 million in damages for breach of contract. "In December 2007, Xbox Live crashed and prevented Plaintiffs around the world from accessing online play for several weeks," reads the court filing obtained by Next-Gen. "Microsoft knew the increase in subscriptions would increase game-play on its servers, yet failed to provide adequate access and service to Xbox Live and its subscribers."

Microsoft will offer a free Live Arcade game to all Xbox 360 owners as renumeration for their gaming troubles, though isolated consumer reports of continued outages persist.