British retailer Argos has begun to sell copies Bungie's highly anticipated first-person shooter, Halo 3, a full week before the title's official release date, reports MCV.

The gaming industry website has received photo evidence of receipts from consumers who have bought the game from the chain. The Argos website states that anyone who pre-orders the game will be able to collect it from stores on ‘Wed 19 September – Thu 20 September.’

Following the revelation, Bungie has acted swiftly to discourage any potential early adopters. Pro-G reports that the firm has stated that anyone who plays Halo 3 either offline or online (they can tell either way, apparently) risks having their Xbox Live account suspended.

You heard 'em, guys... you wouldn't want to face the same sort of treatment as this poor gamer.