MS: "Unauthorised" Halo: Reach risks ban

Microsoft has issued a stark warning to those playing the leaked version of upcoming Xbox 360 exclusive Halo: Reach.

Those found playing an "unauthorised" copy of the game, as Microsoft calls it, could be banned.

"As with all unauthorized play on Xbox Live, anyone playing any unauthorized title runs the risk of account permaban and console," wrote director of policy and enforcement for Xbox Live Stephen Toulouse on Twitter.

"Remember, legit store bought copy runs no risk of ban. Key word: UNAUTHORIZED. We have ways of knowing. :>"

Yesterday Halo: Reach fans were urged to "go dark" following the leak of the game onto the internet weeks before its official release.

Halo: Reach is due out on 14th September.