Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight players got an unexpected head start this week after a retail code mishap allowed some Xbox owners to download and play the game days before its official launch.
A Reddit user posted evidence of obtaining a digital code from Walmart that unlocked full access to the title on Xbox. After redeeming the code, the system displayed a "ready to start" message, granting immediate gameplay. The post included screenshots as proof of the early access.
The official release date is set for May 22, with Deluxe edition holders gaining entry on May 19. Yet several players confirmed they were already deep into the game by the time the code exploit became public. One user reported playing for hours, though they noted a "required update available" notification appeared during sessions.
Some early players took defensive measures to preserve their access. Fearing an update would lock them out, they disconnected their Xbox consoles from the internet entirely, betting the offline workaround would keep the game playable.
The source of the breach remains unclear. It could stem from a preload configuration error similar to one that affected Forza Horizon 6 recently, or Walmart may have distributed incorrect redemption codes. Warner Bros. Games and developer TT Games appear to have since plugged the loophole, though the exact correction method is unknown.
The early access wave triggered immediate concern about story spoilers spreading online. Players who received legitimate early access began posting spoiler warnings across social media and gaming forums, conscious that the game's narrative details could circulate before its intended debut.
Meanwhile, controversy around the title's PC version continues. IGN reported this past weekend that the game will include Denuvo anti-piracy software, a decision that provoked backlash over the system requirements the software demands on PC.
It remains to be seen whether the developer will adjust its release timeline in response to the breach, though no announcement has been made.
Author Emily Chen: "A retail slip-up turning into an internet cat-and-mouse game over spoilers is peak gaming chaos, but it also highlights how fast code leaks spread these days."
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