Bandai Namco caught audiences off-guard this week after issuing stern warnings to those playing a cracked version of the closed beta of the year-to-be-released fighting game, Tekken 8, long after the official Closed Network Test had ended.

Over the past weekend, a select group of players got the chance to engage in the latest Tekken 8 Closed Network Test that took place across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC platforms. This early access event allowed players to play the highly anticipated fighting game and test out its cross-platform and rollback features ahead of its official launch.

However, what was meant to be a limited test turned into an extended gaming session for some, as reports emerged of the closed network test being hacked. A cracked beta version of Tekken 8 began circulating in the gaming community, letting a handful of gamers extend their playtime beyond the official testing period. This development set off alarm bells at Bandai Namco, prompting the company to release an official statement urging players not to engage in such unauthorized activities.

Through a series of posts on Twitter, Bandai Namco underscored that these actions are in violation of their terms of service and the Tekken World Tour code of conduct. The company went on to label the unauthorized downloads or distribution of the game as "illegal," threatening to ban anyone caught playing the CNT from participating in the Tekken World Tour and other official tournaments.