Xboxist

UK Retail Giant Bungle Forces Halo 3 Leak

First of all their efforts for a spectacular launch were dashed due to fears of mayhem in the streets of London (let's be honest we don't need any excuse for madness to ensue on the streets of London), now to top it all, leaked copies of the game have appeared online due to an administrative error by Tesco and Argos stores. Microsoft must be privately seething with rage.

In addition to inadvertently placing it on their shelves, apparently some fans who had pre-ordered received emails stating their order was ready for collection at their local store [Source: Telegraph].

In response, Argos has officially stated: “Argos would like to make it clear that it does not endorse breaking street dates and continues to be committed to preventing pre-release sales through its stores and website”.

Some copies of the games have already been found on Ebay, fetching as high as £100.

Mike Oldman, 26, of Bath, traded in his entire X-Box collection for a Halo 3 copy sold by Argos.

He tracked it down on eBay before catching a train to Wales to pick it up. He said yesterday: “It was the best deal I have ever done.

“It’s a brilliant game — out of this world.” [Source: The Sun]

Microsoft has assured gamers that it will not be taking any action against those found playing early copies of the game.

Over 1.25 million pre-orders for Halo 3 have been placed globally, and it is expected to set entertainment records by selling more copies in the US on its first day of release than any other game or movie in history. [Source: Telegraph]