MOSTLY FIXED Aussie H5 quality

Games Halo 5: Guardians
1

Installed the new update for Memories of Reach and more problems. See my recent post below for videos and images of issues.

Downloaded the update (4.2Gb) and then cold restarted, even unplugged the power cord after installing.

  1. Booted from first game of infection, lost connection to game server error.
  2. REQs don’t load, REQ service unavailable.
  3. Can’t open the Memories Update Pack, REQ pack error.
  4. Wait 5mins and try again, same error, then wait 2 mins and get “pack already opened”, but didn’t receive any unlocks or new consumable REQ cards.

#NotBACK

Tried a party of 4 Aussie mates last night. It was ugly and fell apart.

  • Two players dropped from two games - One player dropped from party chat - REQ points and cards not loading for me throughout 4 games - Retrieving data errors and encountered and error with no post carnage report shown at all, for 4 games in a row - Profile sync error one for me and once for a mate in our fireteam - Latency appeared improved but not Aussie regional serversFirst off I want to say I love H5 and consider both campaign and multiplayer to be the best in the series so far.

Forgetting MCC and the ups and down of sustain or matchmaking populations the Australian Halo 5 regional servers are making Halo 5 unplayable. There isn’t just one issue either. I have many avenues of testing and technical configurations over recent weeks and all signs still point directly at the server solution by 343/MS, Azure - AustraliaSoutheast and AustraliaEast regional datacentres.

It’s not just me either, 10+ friends are not playing Halo and haven’t for some time. We try Halo weekly and it’s the same issue since region locking was opened up in a previous update approx. 6 weeks ago. I’m also seeing more Aussies in forums posting similar.

I also have two ISP connections that use totally different lines and technology; a coax cable connection with Telstra and a phone line connection with iiNet, the #1 and #2 ISPs in Australia. Here’s the connection quality for both (yes Australian Internet is slow but more than enough for an online FPS game).

Currently sitting at 205ms response time to Melbourne Azure Datacentre:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/5301301077.png

Currently sitting at 223ms response time to Melbourne Azure Datacentre:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/5301308655.png

What pisses me off is the game is fantastic but the servers, matchmaking, consistency and communication/support is severely lacking. It’s clearly not my connection whatsoever due to totally separate lines at my premises, types of line technology (cable DOCSIS 3.1 vs ADSL2+), 2 x ISPs, 2 x routers/modems, different DSLAMs owned by each ISP at the exchange level and I certainly understand how to configure everything and the tech involved from end to end.

There is no avenue for real support nor an official statement from Azure/MS/343. I have also dared to call Xbox Live support twice, routed to call centres overseas (not in Australia) and as I suspected just scripted call centre staff without knowledge of local Azure datacentres at all. I live less then 35Km (approx. 22 miles) away from the Melbourne Victoria, Australia Azure datacentre that opened after the Titanfall launch but prior to Halo 5.

Some history and tech in case any Xbox/MS/343 staff reading actually decide to look into this. If any authors or editors want to write an article about this I have tons of screenshots, videos and more that highlight the issues firmly at the feet of MS/343 for weeks now. Issues have been on and off for months, never ideal conditions for competitive play.

I decided to play the Overwatch beta (also whenever I play Destiny or watch Xbox TV/Film/Netflix)…and…my connection, chat and partying up with 2-5 other mates is near perfect with zero latency issues noticeable in games or movies. Surprise surprise. A Blizzard beta on day one does what Azure/MS/343 still can’t get right for Australia through H4, MCC and H5. I hate to be forced to make a thread and trash a platform, game and developer I love but I have literally zero options left.

The sustain from 343 have been fantastic and the best in the Halo franchise history, the matchmaking and servers for Australia have been unacceptable. It’s been years now since Australia opened 2 Microsoft Azure datacentres and they’re yet to deliver for Australian Halo gamers IMO. How does Titanfall get is so right within 1 week of release and continues to perform well today.

Overwatch & Destiny performance points:

  • Works perfectly fine on both my ISP/types of connections.

  • Fast matching, check.

  • Australian matches, check.

  • No party chat break up, check.

  • Near zero latency impact in game, check.

  • Zero UI bugs or game loading issues, check.

  • Fast loading in game menus and customisations, check.

  • No profile errors or playlists with high latency, check.I always cold boot the X1. I don’t use instant on at all and I’m not in the preview program either. My NAT is open, I’ve released my MAC address, my router runs 10+ other devices/systems without issue. I’ve reconfigured DMZ, alternated to port forwarding, updated static IPs and even tested QoS. Our Wii U runs perfectly fine for online games. Destiny has great latency in game for PvP or PvE. Either of my connections run all this just fine very consistently. I can watch Netflix or Xbox TV/Films in full HD without missing any frames at all. I downloaded the Overwatch beta in about 12minutes. I’m able to party up and play Killer Instinct with the same Halo mates without latency issues. I have 16ms response to my own servers hosted in a different Melbourne datacentre and never have issue with latency there on either of my ISP connections.

So what do I do? Quit Halo? What for the update for regional/datacentre player choice? That’s not going to cut it, I can see in the Xbox One dash > network > advanced settings both connections are 200+ms response time. Even when the update drops the servers here in Aus are total -Yoink- for Halo gaming with 200+ms. It’s not going to make a difference if they don’t fix the root cause of the issue locally.

I imagine Overwatch and Destiny aren’t using Azure servers and therefore don’t have the issues inherent with the Australian Xbox/Azure framework at present. I implore MS/343 to do something here and get the official word out.

4 weeks of issues:

  • Halo profile sync error.

  • Two playlists have a warning of high latency, why are they different to other playlists without warnings?

  • When searching I/we get no matches found.

  • When searching solo I receive a fireteam joining error, I wasn’t joining anyone, just searching to play solo.

  • Some games don’t get recorded on Waypoint or Halotracker game history or the API.

  • I can’t load REQs in game and I’m forced to use basic weapons all game.

  • REQ points and cards don’t load prior to the game.

  • REQ score shows as 0 due to loading issues.

  • The latency is near unplayable, certainly not competitive in any way, shape or form.

  • Party chat drop outs.

  • Some friends can’t join a fireteam.

  • Retrieving data and never loads Arena or WZ playlists.Traceroutes:

iiNet ADSL2+ (phone line)
http://i.imgur.com/Q0v8YNM.gif

Telstra cable (coax)
http://i.imgur.com/3TRdz8g.gif

History: latency on Mother’s day went down from 200ms+ average to 100-130ms average, still had playlist warnings and poor in game performance; that night and yesterday performance went back up to 200ms+ and I couldn’t load any playlists at all:
http://xboxclips.com/Ozzy+Onya+A2Z/e480c6a4-1669-4e89-a730-fe977ec2f740

2

Extremely well written and hat’s off to you. I believe that a well thought out and constructed post at the very least deserves a response from both 343 and Microsoft.

I hadn’t been able to play multiplayer (except warzone, which I despise) since the game launched. Since region lock was removed, I can, with some patience and persistence find a game. This month, FFA SWAT loads almost immediately.

I use TPG ADSL2 off-net, so basically it’s Telstra’s infrastructure. We’re at least 2 years off NBN deployment. But that will most likely change with a federal election looming.

I really wish I had a magic wand and could fix your solution as I feel your frustration. Perhaps with the May update and matchmaking preferences changes, it may offer you some relief?

Feel free to add my gamertag - maybe as a party you’ll have better luck? I’ll follow this thread and hopefully you’ll have an answer soon.

3

Thanks for the reply from a fellow Aussie, sure add my GT as well mate. Always happy to play with more Aussies, currently I’m not sure how games will go obviously but I love Halo and want to see resolution to these issues. I feel your pain for NBN, I’m not even on the schedule for the next 3 years. Ugh.

As for deserving a reply I think every post in the support forum deserves a response. I understand they can’t hand hold gamers through ISP issues or home networking support but I’m not asking anything except they investigate and reply regarding their Australia datacentres, clearly I’ve done all the leg work and detailed how everything is working from my end.

It’s frustrating to see so many unanswered posts in the support forums.

4

Here is some more reference materials with date and time stamps for the powers that be. What a laundry list of recent issues, I’m shocked when I see it all together like this.

Video dedicated server problem and the high latency FFA playlist warning

Screenshot version of the playlist warning

Screenshot of dedicated server issue

Screenshot of unable to join (I was just searching solo and not joining anyone, this weird error was just trying to search slayer)

Screenshot of Warzone Turbo not loading REQs, a known bug when joining a game in progress

Screenshot of profile sync error, only happens with Halo5

Screenshot of emblems for matched players not loading, also REQ points and cards not loading in the same shot

Screenshot of post game stats not loading correctly

5

So there is now a KotakuAU article about the Australian latency issues, please MS/343 give this the attention it deserves.

6

Ive frankly given up on FFA here (NZ) we are using your serves so same issue.

I have not had any other issues other than FFA high latency warning however.
Just a NZ perspective.

7

> 2533274791722576;6:
> Ive frankly given up on FFA here (NZ) we are using your serves so same issue.
>
> I have not had any other issues other than FFA high latency warning however.
> Just a NZ perspective.

How is your in game latency e.g. do your grenades come out delayed? Do you play solo or full parties?

8

343 doesn’t give a -Yoink- about Australian servers. Because we make up such a small portion of the online gaming community, we are considered as ‘uneconomical’, therefore are neglected when there is an issue. The irony is we pay the most for video games in the world, yet we receive the worst service.

Some game companies are willing to spend the time and money to invest in necessary infrastructure for the southern hemisphere players, however 343 is not one of them.

9

> 2533274791722576;6:
> Ive frankly given up on FFA here (NZ) we are using your serves so same issue.
>
> I have not had any other issues other than FFA high latency warning however.
> Just a NZ perspective.

I’m not sure why that warning is even there. The in-game experience in FFA is no different to any other playlist.

10

One would think that members who are receiving high latency warnings for servers in their own country would ring alarm bells.

11

Good to see someone having taken the time to explain this so damn well.

I’ve whinged about this issue over and over again with not much understanding from our American counterparts.

I have fiber cable internet. (that’s from my laptop connected via wireless, xbox is wired) 11ms ping. 250download 150upload. And the sheer amount of connection issues I get! Or in game latency issues. Or all of the issues you mentioned in general.
No issues whatsoever with any other games!

But I’ve almost given up on Halo and 343. The single most enjoyed game of my childhood and I as a loyal customer (amongst many others) have had enough of the shabby management of the franchise.
The game I used to prefer to play at the end of the day is now at the bottom of the list. Now it’s almost any other game being a better choice.

I feel like a fix where 343 actually listen to their Australian customers may be a case of too little too late in terms of inviting population back.

12

I am having similar problem but on and off. But today it is totally inaccessible and the error message keep coming up.

13

I am having this issue & it will not go away so i can not play properly.

14

> 2533274801500914;8:
> 343 doesn’t give a -Yoink- about Australian servers. Because we make up such a small portion of the online gaming community, we are considered as ‘uneconomical’, therefore are neglected when there is an issue. The irony is we pay the most for video games in the world, yet we receive the worst service.
>
> Some game companies are willing to spend the time and money to invest in necessary infrastructure for the southern hemisphere players, however 343 is not one of them.

I can understand resources and economics of scale but a gamer buys a game as advertised and it should work. If said product or service doesn’t work a company should stand behind their product until it’s satisfactory. I disagree they don’t care, I believe they care very much but the reality of what they deliver can vary wildly. Support wise, globally, complex issues don’t get the attention they deserve at a per gamer micro level. At the macro level such non-revenue streams like support it’s a very common large corporate mentality of capitalism that consumers need to fight for their rights, educate themselves and play the corporate game to get the desired outcome. Gamers have a part in this too, they need to understand the issues and compromise.

As for southern hemisphere infrastructure I really can’t fault MS for opening their Sydney and Melbourne datacentres a few years back, it’s a benefit of the large Azure services and infrastructure, top 3 in the world and for Australia specifically outdoes Amazon Web Services (they’re only in Sydney in 1 datacentre). The game’s networking needs constant tuning and it’s always going to be an up and down technology with current Internet standards. The current issues are more than just a server issue, there’s code issues, networking issues, support issues, communication issues etc.

For example I had two polar opposite experiences yesterday, hopefully a sign of things being fixed:

  1. Same problems loading playlists for Arena or Warzone or Customs. Just could not play the game. This was around 9.30PM AEST. So I didn’t play.

  2. I tried again later before bed and the problems appeared to be fixed by midnight. I could now see the new Arena preview playlist so something was updated. I played two games that loaded fast and they felt soooo much BETTER. The first felt like Aussie dedis and I was back to my old self killing fools. The second game I had USA players chatting away in a party but the game still felt soooo much BETTER, like 75% better.

I thank the powers that be and I’ll understand there will be ups and downs with the nature of online gaming. This thread had to be done though, it was crazy out of hand. We’ll see how tonight goes after work too and I hope I don’t have to post more issues and can just keep enjoying this great Halo game.

Just for reference neither ISP has changed data in their trace routes from my end. Fix appears to be at 343/MS server end, which is great.

> 2533274851997977;11:
> -SNIP-
> The game I used to prefer to play at the end of the day is now at the bottom of the list. Now it’s almost any other game being a better choice.
>
> I feel like a fix where 343 actually listen to their Australian customers may be a case of too little too late in terms of inviting population back.

Thanks. I’ve been the same in recent times, I’m just playing other games due to Halo just not working or delivering a frustrating incomplete experience. I had a great couple of games in a row late last night so perhaps give it another go and see how your experience differs. This is the trouble with the lack of communication, we have no idea when to check, what to check, what to change etc.

15

> 2535437451488928;12:
> I am having similar problem but on and off. But today it is totally inaccessible and the error message keep coming up.

> 2533274849546936;13:
> I am having this issue & it will not go away so i can not play properly.

As in my post above I had one continued bad experience of no playlists loading (9.30PM Melbourne time) and then one great experience (midnight). Perhaps give it another go today? I’d be interested in your experiences today e.g. was it updated last night or was it just chance?

16

#WeBACK!
Hoorah! No more high latency warning on my FFA playlist. Jumped on just now to check the game connection held up from the two games being good last night and it’s still good!!! So happy. I’d recommend fellow Aussies/Kiwis give things a try again. Games are being matched quick, latency feels low and I’m not feeling like I’ve lost cheaply again. Just like Halo should be played.

http://screenshotscontent-t5001.xboxlive.com/000911111111593e-daf9fbbd-e992-4248-8b93-b88df32ad36a/Screenshot-Original.png

Now the grind from Gold team wins only after all that, oh noes. At least y’all don’t have to see my thread anymore :slight_smile:

As for the REQ store points took a little delay to load as do cards but overall working smoother for the last 4 games tested over 16 or so hours past.

17

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear you’re back in Halo.

Do you believe it’s a hotfix on the server end?

18

#NotBACK

Tried a party of 4 Aussie mates last night. It was ugly and fell apart.

  • Two players dropped from two games
  • One player dropped from party chat - REQ points and cards not loading for me throughout 4 games - Retrieving data errors and encountered and error with no post carnage report shown at all, for 4 games in a row - Profile sync error one for me and once for a mate in our fireteam - Latency appeared improved but not Aussie regional servers
19

Installed the new update for Memories of Reach and more problems. Downloaded the update (4.2Gb) and then cold restarted, even unplugged the power cord after installing.

  1. Booted from first game of infection, lost connection to game server error:
    http://xboxclips.com/Ozzy+Onya+A2Z/7f39c09c-5b6d-4f5a-8fd7-ab2a90a2d805

  2. REQs don’t load, REQ service unavailable:
    http://xboxclips.com/Ozzy+Onya+A2Z/6859c3ed-32f5-4e0d-9e20-f776e180fd99

  3. Can’t open the Memories Update Pack, REQ pack error:
    http://screenshotscontent-t5001.xboxlive.com/000911111111593e-1d1425f4-4623-41a5-bd45-8d4a13be7b78/Screenshot-Original.png

  4. Wait 5mins and try again, same error, then wait 2 mins and get “pack already opened”, but didn’t receive any unlocks or new consumable REQ cards:
    http://screenshotscontent-t2002.xboxlive.com/000911111111593e-f7bed846-ce79-4057-a748-5ac82ba1a422/Screenshot-Original.png

UGH. Let me take a wild guess here. Potential server resources have been scaled back in various regions since launch and now you’ve hit a peak of downloads and population plus added REQ traffic so the whole thing is flakey.

20

It’s even worse for me now than before!
No latency warning on any of the playlists, which of course was promising. So I set my search filter to focused. I’m thinking, “Hey, there must be TONNES of Aussie gamers of similar level to me online right now around Melbourne, how could there be any trouble matching up?”. Well that couldn’t find a match.
Neither could balanced.
So expanded found me a match with what I’ll call another laggy gameplay American farming crew style warzone. (I don’t get this playstyle!? Totally not in good spirit and I never found it playing with Aussie or Asian gamers.)
Anyway, finally found a match on turbo with balanced. Gave up interest soon after.

Tried again last night, not a single match, and I’m not so desperate to play Halo to do the expanded searches again.

My recommendation, want a Sci-Fi FPS that consistently for online with pretty graphics, play Starwars Battlefront.
Want a game that will consume your attention and you’ll obsess over it once you get past the initial frustrating learning curve, play Ark: Survival Evolved. It’s an unfinished game so be kind to it.