Playing a leaked copy of Halo: Reach? Microsoft’s banhammer has your name on it

The Xbox 360′s biggest exclusive of the year, Halo: Reach, was leaked on to torrent sites last week, encouraging thousands of fans jerks to download the game early and post spoilers here, there, and everywhere.

But it’s here’s some news for y’all: if Microsoft catches you playing an “unauthorized” copy, you can expect the banhammer. And they have “ways of knowing” whether your copy is kosher. Oo-er. As per Xbox Live’s Stephen Toulouse on Twitter:

“As with all unauthorized play on Xbox Live, anyone playing any unauthorized title runs the risk of account permaban and console. Remember, legit store bought copy runs no risk of ban. Key word: UNAUTHORIZED. We have ways of knowing. :>”

For those who plan to pay money for the game, Halo: Reach is due out September 14th.

See also: Halo: Reach‘s special edition to cost $150

[Twitter, via Eurogamer]