Lucky gamers in some markets apparently don't have to wait to play the highly anticipated horror game The Calisto Protocol, as posts online indicate that Walmart stores have already stocked shelves and purportedly allowed the game to be sold through its registers, leading to a lot of people playing the game early before the review embargo has even officially lifted.

With the game officially set to come out on December 2nd later this Friday, official accounts and reviewers have begun to hype the game up ahead of its release, with review codes being handed out to journalists and excitement posts circulating the feeds.

Fight to survive in 3 days. pic.twitter.com/6HQPIqE53U

— The Callisto Protocol (@CallistoTheGame) November 29, 2022

First review for The Callisto Protocol is up early.. 5/5.

The game will be 12-14 hours long according to the review. pic.twitter.com/qaqU2GswGx

— Okami Games (@Okami13_) November 29, 2022

I have just received a review code for The Callisto Protocol. Gonna try to get a review out in time for the embargo but it will be tight. Will keep you posted.

— Skill Up (@SkillUpYT) November 29, 2022

Are you excited for The Callisto Protocol 👀🔥? #PS4 #PS5 pic.twitter.com/HD59bOQPSz

— GermanStrands (@GermanStrands) November 29, 2022

This, however, now means nothing to select gamers who found their local Walmart already selling copies.

Typically, when a game is stocked right before the official release date, the store's internal systems won't allow the game to be rung up, giving an error code to the cashier to alert them that it's not available for purchase yet. However, this doesn't seem to be the case, as several people posted pictures of themselves with physical copies in their hands, and gameplay streams have even started to crop up from people who managed to get their copies home with them.

Someone at Walmart messed up, so now i get to play The Callisto Protocol a week early! pic.twitter.com/x5zQBdMefQ

— John Derivan (@RooksGameCorner) November 28, 2022

Walmart giveth nay a fuck. Lol. #callistoprotocol get that day one edition on day -4. (Pensacola Florida btw) pic.twitter.com/2V0IYChbTW

— SinkFla (@SinkFla) November 29, 2022

For anyone who needs proof. Also gonna be streaming it later. https://t.co/YAcbJ9n0pD pic.twitter.com/CWgDm27xFM

— OtakuChef9 (@Otaku_Chef9) November 29, 2022

Someone is streaming The Callisto Protocol Early Gameplay right now!!

Link in the discord

— Idle Sloth💙💛 (@IdleSloth84_) November 29, 2022