Microsoft vows 'vigorous actions' following Gears of War: Judgment leak

Microsoft is vowing to take "vigorous action" against any user that illegally downloads the recently leaked version of Gears of War: Judgment, following its appearance online roughly a month before the title's official March launch, Eurogamer reports.

A leaked version of the game, believed to be complete, appeared on a number of torrent websites last night. In response, Microsoft issued the statement:

"We are aware of isolated cases in which Gears of War: Judgment content has been propped on the web and are working closely with our security teams and law enforcement to address the situation immediately.

"Consumers should be aware that piracy is illegal and we take vigorous action against illegal activity related to our products and services."

Microsoft promises to hit those who pirate copies of the game with a lifetime console ban from Xbox Live, a threat similar to that used when pirated copies of Halo 4 allegedly appeared prior to its release.

"Playing pirated copies of games, such as Gears of War: Judgment, is a violation of the Xbox Live Terms of Use and will result in enforcement action, such as account and console bans."

Gears of War: Judgment is set for release on March 19, 2013, on Xbox 360.