Microsoft warns Euro sites against selling Halo 3 beta codes

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Dec 12th 2006 at 9:15PM }

Intended to be given away in promotional contests, several codes that allow entry into the Halo 3 beta were distributed between participating European fansites in Microsoft's Xbox Community Network. Unfortunately, the intended use came into stark opposition with one website's more greed-oriented approach, namely selling the codes for a quick profit. According to BritXbox, the offending site hasn't been named, but their actions were enough to make Microsoft wag their fingers and type a scolding e-mail for all members of the network.

"If your site is found to be one of the offenders you will not receive any beta codes and will be removed from the XCN with immediate effect," it says. "We will also ensure that Microsoft will no longer have any involvement with your site." It concludes by underlining how "shocked" Microsoft is by the site's money-grab. Really? They're shocked by a couple of human beings biting the hand that feeds them and cashing in on one of the most anticipated games of 2007? Or is that being too cynical?

While we're asking so many questions, let's put this one out there: Would you pay for a guaranteed spot in the Halo 3 beta? How much do you think it's worth?

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy, Hexus]

Tags: Halo 3, Halo 3 Beta, Halo 3 Beta Europe, Halo3, Halo3Beta, Halo3BetaEurope, Xbox Community network, XboxCommunityNetwork, XCN

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Tony Baloney @ Dec 12th 2006 9:27PM

I'd buy that for a dollar!

Amos @ Dec 12th 2006 9:30PM

I don't get why it's so bad. Put yourself into that positon, "WOW! HALO 3 BETA, YESSS!!!" *a few moments later* "I wonder how much this opportunity is worth...how much is worth keeping?"

It's a pretty obvious dilemna. If you're awarded something rare, it's only a matter of time before the thought crosses your mind how much you actually want to *keep* that something versus the monetary gains it could achieve by someone who wants it even more...

Einhanderkiller @ Dec 12th 2006 9:41PM

I'd pay, at max, $2 for one. I'm not that big a Halo fan (PC FPS games > console FPS games), but I'd pay a small fee just to check out the game. I'm positive there will be people who would be willing to pay several times more than that, though, such as when the 360, PS3, and Wii launched. People were paying twice the retail price to get their hands on the new consoles. I'm guessing that Halo 3 beta codes could sell for as high as $50 to rabid Halo fans who didn't get a spot.

Chris m @ Dec 12th 2006 9:44PM

If Halo 3 turns out to be the noobfest Halo 2 is Microsoft will need to pay me to play it

GhostBox @ Dec 12th 2006 9:49PM

"I don't get why it's so bad"

------------------------------------------------------

I think it's put a damper on next gen gaming as a whole. Many of us are becoming annoyed by this attitude that you can just "ebay" everything to death.

If someone truly doesn't want to be apart of the Halo 3 beta or any other beta purely for the gaming experience, then let gamers who do have their chance at being selected.

It's becoming totally crazy out there. People had no choice but to tolerate the auctioning of the console launches, but to have to go through the ebaying of betas and other gaming content is ridiculous.

scion @ Dec 12th 2006 9:56PM

yea i prob would... 5-10 bucks...

the_insider @ Dec 12th 2006 10:15PM

I thought Beta Testers normally GET PAID? :P

Ian @ Dec 12th 2006 11:13PM

Only if you work in MS/Bungie.

This is a invite public beta.

joe smith @ Dec 13th 2006 12:08AM

A slot in a 'beta' of a game that doesn't ship for a year? No way it''s even close to a beta. More like an alpha of some small part of the online game. For which i would pay $0.

The Lamonster @ Dec 13th 2006 1:28AM

I'd pay $30 tops to be a beta tester.

Ian @ Dec 13th 2006 3:03AM

@9
Pimps at sea seemed to be at least alpha or near it. By March it may be beta.

The beta is for glitch testing and balancing for online play. Why else would they do this? Open betas such as this provides valueable fan feedback.

Rawnblade @ Dec 13th 2006 6:25AM

It's a beta, testing it is giving them information they need, no one should have to pay.

And then again, maybe if you do pay it goes towards your final purchase? Or perhaps guarantees you a copy. That'd be a system I'd be ok with.

Steven @ Dec 13th 2006 8:31AM

When are we going to get a response in regards to the beta test?

Jason @ Dec 13th 2006 8:54AM

I would pay $10 max. I would not be surprised to see really hardcore fans pay up to $60 in very limited cases.

I said on X360F they should hold an auction and give away the money to Child's Play 2006.

Paul @ Dec 13th 2006 9:25AM

i love halo but i dont want to play the beta... no suprises till they jump out at me in single player.

Josh @ Dec 13th 2006 9:36AM

People, please don't open that floodgate. No more demos will come out. Instead it will be pay for a prime spot to play the demos. I already paid $100 for my Legendary box set for Halo 3, why should I pay to play the same maps twice?

Jake @ Dec 13th 2006 3:37PM

After playing GoW, it will be hard to go to Halo 3. Not because of the quality of game, though. Actually, I love on GoW that I can go into random games and play almost exclusively with 18-30 year olds. You can't put a price on not having 10 year olds scream in your ear all the time.

GoW actually made me realize that uber guts and violence is an awesome thing for a game. It keeps it out of most of the kiddies' hands.

TTL Jericho @ Dec 13th 2006 3:49PM

I have a problem with people selling off limited quantity items – it’s scalping. Whether it’s a new console launch or a Beta: it’s just short of extortion. Here’s my reasoning: Some guy buys up a number of limited quantity items with the express interest at an outrageous mark up in the item. This not only keeps the item out of the hands of fans, but he then gouges us for the ‘right’ to get our greedy little hands on it. Sure, it’s all legal, but that doesn’t make it right or ethical.