Microsoft: Early MW3 playing "may" risk Xbox Live ban

Got a copy of Modern Warfare 3 early? Is it for Xbox 360? Online-connected? Protip: probably best not to play it until next week at least.

Director of Policy and Enforcement for Xbox Live, Stephen Tolouse, has said anyone playing it before its been authorised for full play by Activision may end up risking a ban.

He said: "clarification: dblchk'd with Activision. Mw3 pre-release play not authorized. So pls be patient. Playing early may impact your account!"

It comes hours after he said that if anyone started playing the game, as long as it was a legit copy, was fair game.

Tweet went like this: "For those asking about MW3 pre-release play: If your copy is legit and obtained legitly, have fun. It's a great game."

Probably best to avoid going online with it until at least Monday. For those who haven't come into possession as yet, it's out on PS3, 360, PC and Wii on Tuesday.