[Update: added Bethesda comments, Xbox 360 details]
The PC version of the latest Fallout 3 DLC, Broken Steel, appears to be corrupted.
After downloading the DLC through Games for Windows Live, numerous players have been greeted with an error message, according to posters on the Bethesda Softworks forums.
"Install of item Broken Steel Failed,” reads the message. “Not a Cryptographic message or the cryptographic message is not formatted correctly.”
In a response post on the forums a member of Bethesda’s development staff apologised to users experiencing problems with the DLC. “Gathering more materials to report to every one on our side. Never a dull day on DLC release. Also sorry for every one that is having trouble on PC. We are looking into it.”
In late March the Xbox 360 version of Fallout 3 DLC The Pitt was pulled from Xbox Live after users suffered crashes and missing assets. The Xbox 360 version of Broken Steel is thought to be unaffected.
Edge has approached Bethesda for comment on this report.
Check out Edge's recent preview of Broken Steel here.
Update: Bethesda has been in touch with Edge to say that it is also experiencing install issues with the PC version of Broken Steel.
“We’re seeing the same error, which is a Games for Windows Live DRM install error,” said a company rep. “Microsoft is working on fixing it, and we’ll let everyone know once we’ve verified it.”
Additionally, the spokesperson acknowledged that Xbox 360 Broken Steel users had run into some problems relating to achievement points.
“The Xbox Live servers didn’t seem to be fully synched at launch with the additional achievements. This should fix itself automatically. People won’t lose any achievements.”