Despite the fact that the UK 'street date' for Microsoft's forthcoming 'Halo 3: ODST' happens to be September 22, it has been reported that copies of the game have already leaked out and have even hit the shelves of the retail stores in France!

Noting that the unofficial, early release of games ahead of their street date has become a nagging problem for the publishers, Microsoft, visibly irked at the recent episode, said that since ODST is one of the biggest releases of the season, its early delivery could mar its prospects.

Saying that the supposed copies in the wild are 'small' in number, Microsoft added: "We are investigating a very small breach in our distribution process around the early delivery of 'Halo 3: ODST' units. We are also investigating Xbox Live accounts that show activity related to 'Halo 3: ODST' and will take action against those we believe have procured copies of the game illegitimately."

Reportedly, it is due to some problem at the actual distribution center that has resulted in the leak of the game.

Microsoft's key area of investigations pertaining to the leak is the Xbox Live accounts for users who played the game early online. Microsoft has said that the action that it intends taking against any user playing ODST early on Xbox Live may include banning the user from Xbox Live!