Anyone caught playing 3 before the official launch date whether the copy is a one or not may receive some kind of punishment.

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Microsoft's head of enforcement for Live Stephen Toulouse has warned that playing MW3 could have an impact on their accounts.

Toulouse announced on his personal account: "clarification: dblchk'd with Activision. MW3 pre-release play not authorized. So pls be patient. Playing early may impact your account!"

Activision has clarified this further saying that they have "no interest in banning legitimate copies in these last few days" and calling for patience saying that "everyone to wait for Tuesday when everybody can play the game together."

Thanks Gamasutra.

By Ewan Aiton