6 Sep, 2010
Everyone will be well aware by now that Microsoft’s imminent killer Xbox-exclusive Halo: Reach has been leaked across file-sharing networks three weeks before its street date. With the game only a week away, Bungie have issued a statement confirming that credits earned by those playing Reach early will be snatched out of their impatient little paws in time for official release – oh, pity!
Eric Osborne, head of Bungie’s online community, posted this message on the forums.
“Some of you are playing Halo: Reach a little bit early. It happens. With millions of copies out of manufacturing quickly making their way into the massive global retail chain, it’s not terribly uncommon for a few discs to ‘accidentally’ slip into a few lucky customers’ hands. Que sera.
Any Credits you earn during this slim pre-Launch window are going to be summarily and systematically reset prior to launch. Don’t get too attached to any fancy new gear you might have already acquired. Consider any expenditures or investments you’ve made in the Armory the cost of doing business early. It’s nothing personal; we just want to make sure the playing field is kept nice and level upon launch. It’s only fair.”
Players that lose their game progress can count themselves lucky compared to those caught playing Reach pre-release by Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Enforcement Team, who have since had their accounts terminated and their consoles banned from Xbox LIVE permanently.
Halo: Reach is exclusive to the Xbox 360 and is released worldwide on September 14th.
Hmm, this is something other multiplayer games should take note of *cough* MW2 *cough*.
It was really disappointing to boot up the game on release day, only to find some people already at max rank.
I am confused. Will gamers still be able to earn achievements if they happen to have the game before launch? Will campaign progress be deleted? Forge Maps? AArrgghhh!!!!!
As far as I’m aware this only extends to online multiplayer progress, i.e credits earned and any pieces of equipment purchased with those credits. Bungie wouldn’t be able to delete anything else remotely unless they’re pulling a BioWare and tap into our 360s xD
Don’t worry too much, the Xbox LIVE Enforcement Team can tell specifically if you’re playing a cracked copy or a retail copy – it’s the cracked ones they’re clamping down on. You’re safe if a kindly retailer sells you a copy before the street date. Hope that clears up any doubts, Toby! xD
Thanks! Just got mine from said kindly retailer (yes I know I’m lucky!), and can now play with confidence (or I’m blaming you… >:-) ) !
You wouldn’t be so cruel! xD