A software update, planned to solve many of the matchmaking problems that have hampered Halo: The Master Chief Collection, has been delayed.

Various bugs within the netcode have effectively locked out many players trying to access the game's online multiplayer modes--a problem which has led 343 Industries to apologise publicly and insist its teams are "working 24/7" to fix the errors.

But the arrival of a patch that was hoped would restore online functionality will no longer be released on Wednesday, as originally stated.

"This week’s content update, which was originally scheduled for release this Wednesday, 11/19, will now be releasing later this week to allow for additional fixes, as well as the completion of the testing and certification process," 343 Industries wrote on the official Halo website.

"This content update includes a variety of fixes across the title, including Matchmaking performance issues, general UI and game stability improvements, as well as fixes for game-game specific issues in Halo: CE, Halo 2, and Halo 2: Anniversary, and more. The full patch notes will be posted later this week, in advance of the content update release."

The studio representative once again thanked fans for "your continued patience" as it resolves the problems.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection shipped on November 11 and drew mixed reception from critics. GameSpot's review described it as "an attractive package, despite the massive problems with online multiplayer".

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said he's "disappointed" with the network problems.