There was a glitch on the Xbox 360 which allowed users to pass their COD4 Beta unlock code onto friends. The glitch has now been fixed, and the 23,000 people who took advantage have now been temporarily banned from Xbox Live.

The current POR is to issue a 24-hour console lockout that will prevent these 23k users from using their consoles to sign in to LIVE. These users will also receive a message in the dash with an explanation as to why their console has been locked out for 24 hours for violating the LIVE TOU [Terms of Use] and a warning that more severe actions may be taken if they attempt a similar action in the future (console could be banned permanently, etc.). Again, this is not a permanent console ban - it’s more of a “slap on the wrist” and a warning to these 23k users who used this exploit

So there you go. Don’t try to get into a beta test if you aren’t supposed to… your online access may get revoked.

Well, it’s now official. The ESRB has rated Manhunt 2 as an Adult’s Only (AO) game.

From Take Two (via GamePolitics):

Manhunt 2 was created for mature audiences and we strongly believe it should receive an M (Mature) rating, aligning it with similar content created in other forms of media. We are exploring our options with regard to the rating of Manhunt 2.

So how is this going to affect the average gamer? Well, for starters, you aren’t going to able to rent this game anywhere. Blockbuster and Gamefly have already confirmed they will not carry any AO rated games. Beyond that, most stores aren’t going to keep this out on the shelves. So you might not be able to just waltz into Best Buy and pick up a copy.

It’s already been banned in one part of the world, and given the dreaded AO rating here in the US. Maybe Take Two needs to look into toning the game down a bit if they want to make any money.

What are the odds we see He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named on TV tonight talking about this?

I can’t say this is a surprise. We’ve all been waiting for Microsoft to throw the switch and boot all the modded consoles. Personally, I think it’s about time.

Major Nelson and Gamerscore Blog are both reporting on the new security in place for the Xbox 360. If you get a Status Code: Z: 8015 - 190D, basically it means your SOL. Reports are coming in from all over the intarweb of users getting banned. Go buy a new 360 if you have any intentions of playing online.

With the Halo 3 Beta starting up, Microsoft decided this was the best time to start dropping some ban-hammers on fools. I remember the day Halo 2 dropped they did the same with the original Xbox.

I can’t say I blame Microsoft one bit here. Last gen was different, with many people, myself included, modding their Xbox to rock Xbox Media Center. It was, and still is, one of the best streaming media center applications you can use. With the Xbox 360, the only modding you can do is to play burnt games. Piracy hurts the industry. Glad Microsoft is finally stepping up and addressing the issue.