Microsoft remotely bricks Gear of War leaker's Xbox One console

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Microsoft will undoubtedly announce a remake for the original "Gears of War" soon, thanks to information leaked online by some users testing the game. Unfortunately for those exact people, however, they won't be able to use their Xbox One consoles for a temporary period of time, as Microsoft has made them "entirely unusable."

According to an email obtained by Kotaku, Microsoft and VMC Games, a company that provides testing services with contractors, sent messages to users who leaked information about the upcoming remake informing them that they are banned from Xbox Live and their consoles are now unusable. The relevant passage from the email, which was sent by VMC, is as follows:


Now, new wording is about to reach the community regarding this particular event. The nature of the leak having had occurred through Xbox One, actually also went against the Microsoft EULA, which is agreed upon when creating an Xbox LIVE account, or any other type of Microsoft account. This being said, as per that agreement with the testers in fault, Microsoft also permanently disabled their Xbox LIVE accounts (as well as other suspected accounts present on their Xbox One kits) and temporarily blocked all of their Xbox One privileges – meaning that for a period of time which Microsoft decides on depending on the severity of the offense, their Xbox One is entirely unusable.

In the previous console generation, Microsoft was known for banning the accounts and online capabilities of hackers and cheaters, though it wasn't capable of making a console "entirely unusable." Kotaku claims that the leakers in question stated their Xbox One consoles are their personal versions and not debug or development consoles.

The revelation that Microsoft can essentially press a button to brick a console comes after the company received a public evisceration when it revealed its original digital rights policies for Xbox One, which included an Internet connection requirement for verifying games. The company later changed the policies following the immense backlash.


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Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-is-forcing-leakers-xbox-one-consoles-to-become-entirely-unusable

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"Microsoft remotely bricks Gear of War leaker's Xbox One console" :: Login/Create an Account :: 59 comments

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CyimkingPosted:

TheUnholy1994
FOV I find that pathetic. All sorts of things get leaked all the time. I'm aware it doesn't make it right and I'm not siding with the one who leaked it. Microsoft has a right to take disciplinary action against him, but making his console unusable? No. He spent most likely over $500 supporting Microsoft's sales by buying the console, and you turn it into a very expensive paperweight by the click of a button, without hesitation.

Ban his account, not brick his console. Come on, that's a bit much.


im actually with you on that, just a bit of news and gameplay doesnt mean a console should be bricked. at least its not permantly bricked.

Its still kinda overkill doing it though to his console


A contract is a contract.

jaqua2Posted:

TheUnholy1994
FOV I find that pathetic. All sorts of things get leaked all the time. I'm aware it doesn't make it right and I'm not siding with the one who leaked it. Microsoft has a right to take disciplinary action against him, but making his console unusable? No. He spent most likely over $500 supporting Microsoft's sales by buying the console, and you turn it into a very expensive paperweight by the click of a button, without hesitation.

Ban his account, not brick his console. Come on, that's a bit much.


im actually with you on that, just a bit of news and gameplay doesnt mean a console should be bricked. at least its not permantly bricked.

Its still kinda overkill doing it though to his console


I get what you're both saying, but they violated the Agreement and we all know Microsoft loves to smack people on their hands when they're being bad lol The ban is probably maybe gonna be 2 weeks to a month just to teach them a lesson.

HeiPosted:

Raptr Gears of war never made a game where it was boring to be honest! i love there games :)


So, you liked Judgement? #Lawl

GaryPosted:

The leaker deserves this for not having the common sense to cover his gamertag.

ATLatimerPosted:

How would they know who leaked it unless they gave it to like two people.

attackedheartPosted:

Good, its their own fault and I hope ms never unbricks them and they have to buy new consoles! They knew the rules! I hope they are sitting in the corner of their rooms crying!

TheUnholy1994Posted:

FOV I find that pathetic. All sorts of things get leaked all the time. I'm aware it doesn't make it right and I'm not siding with the one who leaked it. Microsoft has a right to take disciplinary action against him, but making his console unusable? No. He spent most likely over $500 supporting Microsoft's sales by buying the console, and you turn it into a very expensive paperweight by the click of a button, without hesitation.

Ban his account, not brick his console. Come on, that's a bit much.


im actually with you on that, just a bit of news and gameplay doesnt mean a console should be bricked. at least its not permantly bricked.

Its still kinda overkill doing it though to his console

Evo8Posted:

I don't know who would risk leaking this on the internet knowing that Microsoft is strict on the policy.

FOVPosted:

I find that pathetic. All sorts of things get leaked all the time. I'm aware it doesn't make it right and I'm not siding with the one who leaked it. Microsoft has a right to take disciplinary action against him, but making his console unusable? No. He spent most likely over $500 supporting Microsoft's sales by buying the console, and you turn it into a very expensive paperweight by the click of a button, without hesitation.

Ban his account, not brick his console. Come on, that's a bit much.


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