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Source: Reuters

Halo 2, the sequel to Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) best-selling game for its Xbox video console, has leaked onto the Internet nearly four weeks before its planned sale, the world's largest software maker said on Friday.

"Microsoft has learned that a version of 'Halo 2' has been posted to various newsgroups and web sites," Carlos de Leon, Xbox group product manager, said in an e-mailed statement, "We consider downloading this code or making it available for others to download as theft."

Microsoft, which is investigating the leak, said that it would stick to its November 9 launch date for Halo 2.