A buddy of mine owns a store through which I get RECEIPTED games on the store delivery date (usually 4-5 days before release) instead of the actual shelf date.

Question is, however, will this game require midnight activation on the day of release? I won't be surprised if it does, but it would be a nice perk if it doesn't.

An FYI to any 12 year olds who say this is illegal: You're morons. British consumer law dictates that as a paying customer, the second you're receipted for ANY purchase you reserve the right, as a consumer, to utilise all aspects of it within the law of the land. The only people at fault for selling games early are the store selling it to you. Anyone who has ever been sued/arrested/banned for playing a game early was doing so illegitimately and deserved everything they got.