Susan Arendt
Culture

<cite>Halo 3</cite> Ban Update:All A Misunderstanding

An update to the update. Earlier we told you that Microsoft had threatened to ban folks caught playing Halo 3 early from Xbox Live permanently, a move we thought was grossly unfair. Either Microsoft has reconsidered, or their rep who spoke with Pro-G was confused, but in any event, the result is the same: bans […]

Halo3boxart_3
An update to the update. Earlier we told you that Microsoft had threatened to ban folks caught playing Halo 3 early from Xbox Live permanently, a move we thought was grossly unfair. Either Microsoft has reconsidered, or their rep who spoke with Pro-G was confused, but in any event, the result is the same: bans won't be forthcoming.

Though at one point it was thought the ban was Microsoft employees only--leaving ordinary folks who came by their copies thanks to gaffes made by local retailers in the clear, nobody's getting banned at all. Here's Microsoft's official word:

We can confirm that Microsoft is not taking any action (such as banning Xbox Live accounts) against gamers who are playing Halo 3 before the official street date. Any rumours or speculation to the contrary are false.

Smells ever so slightly fishy, but as long as people aren't being punished unfairly, it's all good. That's it. No banning. End of story, no more updates. We hope.

Microsoft backtracks on Halo 3 Live ban threat [Pro-G]