It's a sad fact that every major videogame release will be up on torrent sites before they hit retailers. It's usually "hardcore" gamers doing the torrenting too, while at the same time wondering why publishers don't want to make games for them anymore. In any case, if you're playing Borderlands and Forza 3 when you shouldn't be, rest assured that Microsoft is watching you, and is readying the banhammer for action.
"You know, when you play a pre-release title on LIVE when I know you shouldn’t have it, it’s not hard for me to figure out," boasts Xbox Live Director of Policy and Enforcement Stephen Toulouse. "Don’t worry folks, anyone who bought a copy early is ok. In general, if you got a receipt, play away. These are illegit copies we’re hitting."
So be warned. If you're a filthy pirate, Microsoft is watching you. It does seem strange that Toulouse brings up receipts though. Are they simply going to ban everybody playing the game, and then ask for proof of purchase after the fact? Will Toulouse be knocking on your door with the MS gestapo, demanding to see your papers? Who knows? What I do know is that I need to be playing this game last week.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
3:00 PM on 10.17.2009
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Do they check for WHEN the copy was originally played, or if the copy is played on Xbox Live before it is released? I know there's been instances where I get games before the street date (go go friends who work at Gamestop!) and I'm always nervous about playing them. It'd be nice to know if I can just unplug from Xbox Live until the actual street date or if I have to avoid playing it altogether.
I can't wait for Borderlands!!
Now If only the repair service was as prompt and efficient as that.
Also if you play a game before the retail date and you pirated it you deserve to get banned for being an idiot. I know someone thats had a modded 360 since day one and he isn't stupid so he hasn't been banned.
I hope every single one of them eats a ban. I hope they upload something to your firmware that bricks your system you filthy pirates.
Just play offline!
I love the idea of just playing offline. That XBL membership is worth every penny.
How did you get those cheevos on release date if that is in the future?
I feel sorry for anyone who happens to get the game from a retailer who breaks the release date.
Be careful about letting people know about your sources for pre release games (especially if it's something like a friend getting it for you) Consequences at most retail places for doing that is quite serious.
Hey with the Xbox there's a 50% chance the pirate will get bricked anyway. And plenty of non pirates too. Like me. Bitter? Left 4 Dead deprived? Why, yes, yes I am.
Not only is it a good thing for the gamers (bigger space for better games) but also for the developers (too big for any average human to pirate). WIN/WIN
I'm sure MS can happily survive without your filthy lucre, especially if it means you can't perpetuate further piracy.
If you pirate 360 games you're a complete tw@. Games are cheap enough for anyone to afford, when you consider 2nd-hand prices. If you can't afford them, get yer ass off the couch and earn some cash you goodfernothing waste of space.
@DanCiti - that goes for you too. And anyone else who laments their disappointment in MS's actions.
You believe that? where is your proof.
@MesonW
You believe what you wrote? 360 games are a rip off compared to the same game on pc.
@Corak
Yep stupid rules like no implying swear words even **** would get you suspended even though they have tools on the xbox for parents to use to stop children or for over sensitive adults that block everything.