I work for a video/game rental store. On a regular basis we were allowed to rent video games out on our accounts before they were released to the public. We would usually get them about 1 week before their release, sometimes more.
When Madden 08' came out almost 2 weeks early our store was one of the only regions (renting wise) who had the most out. Now it may be funny but i started a small chain of events that sucks when it comes to Halo 3.
Once MS and EA saw our store or region had the rentals out, we were told to put the kibosh on pre-street renting. Period end of story. Now i know it isn't going to be like " Mr. X Loaded Gun X is playing halo 3 a week early let's find out where he lives and works and get him fired", But it is "supposed" to be recorded for each employee rental as well as a public rental.
That is what would get people get fired. I know there are different rules for each store and for each region for rentals but i am pretty sure MS wont be allowing the #1 anticipated game of the 360's career thus far, out on any kind of "early" basis.
Maybe I'm ranting cause I know for sure i wont be playing it early. I'll have to wait for my legendary edition to arrive at GameStop ...