Microsoft permanently bans Halo 4 pirates

The owners of Xbox 360 consoles who pirated Microsoft's "Halo 4" face a permanent ban from the software giant's Xbox live service, a gaming-oriented site has reported.

 

Market for Computer and Video Games (MCV) reported this may include users who modded their Xbox 360s to run pirated code, but were "daft enough" to connect to Xbox Live.

 

It cited a warning email from Microsoft to the pirates notifying them that their Xbox Live privileges "have been permanently suspended due to illegitimate prerelease title play.”

 

“Because your conduct is in violation, the Xbox Live Enforcement Team has issued a permanent suspension. Your Xbox Live privileges will not be reinstated,” it quoted the email as saying.

 

Microsoft is still investigating the source of the leak of "Halo 4," which will be released November 6.

 

The MCV report also said Microsoft issued a statement where it said it is "aware of isolated cases in which Halo 4 content has been propped on the web."

 

It quoted Microsoft as saying it is "working closely with our security teams and law enforcement to address the situation immediately.”

 

"Consumers should be aware that piracy is illegal and we take vigorous action against illegal activity related to our products and services. Playing pirated copies of games, such as Halo 4, is a violation of the Xbox Live Terms of Use and will result in enforcement action, such as account and console bans," Microsoft said.

 

A separate article on Joystiq.com said Microsoft had pursued a similar course of action prior to the 2010 release of Halo: Reach.

 

It added Microsoft confirmed that "both account and console bans may occur."  — TJD, GMA News