Following on from the news that the Halo 3 European beta sign-ups have opened, we hear word that Microsoft's trust in using the XCN (Xbox Community Network) to issue the codes, rather than Bungie.net, has been abused.

BritXbox (obviously one of the trustworthy community sites) are reporting that one of XCN sites entrusted with Halo 3 beta codes have been selling them to line their greasy pockets. The news was received via an email from XCN management to each of the sites involved in the beta test.

'If your site is found to be one of the offenders you will not receive any beta codes and will be removed from the XCN with immediate effect. We will also ensure that Microsoft will no longer have any involvement with your site'. reads part of the mail.

The XCN are a group of UK based websites who offer news on the Xbox/Xbox 360 platform. They're recognised by Microsoft, on Xbox.com, as being the top Xbox sites in the country due to their community spirit and comprehensive coverage of everything Xbox. This latest news has caused a fair bit of tension amongst the innocent members of the group; after all they've worked hard to build their reputation and the 'rat' amongst them could mean that Microsoft won't be as keen to offer them exclusives in the future.

BritXbox are the first site to publically display their disgust, "Perhaps the most disappointing aspect is that these people show a selfish lack of consideration for how this travesty might impact on future opportunities provided by the XCN. I'd hate to see our community missing out because someone wanted to make a quick buck," said editor Michael Rossell.

If we find out which site was selling these codes, we'll name and shame them for all to see...you dirty rats!

Source : BritXbox