Microsoft Ban Hammer!
Last week Microsoft banned almost 1 Million Xbox Live users due to terms of use violations. Specifically, users have been banned for modding or modifying there Xbox 360s in order to circumvent DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection, thus allowing the downloading and playing of illegally pirated games.
This massive ban was most likely the result of hundreds of illegal copies of the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 by Activision that were distributed before the game went on sale this week. This may be because Microsoft learned from the similar Spore torrent fiasco last year, and decided to take action this time around.
In a statement Microsoft said: its “commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of the Xbox Live community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live. We can assure you that if an Xbox Live member follows the Xbox Live terms of use, purchased a retail copy of Modern Warfare 2 and played the game on an unmodified Xbox 360, no action will be taken.”
Even if someone has been banned, their Xbox will still play offline games, InformationWeek said. But it’s not at all clear if the bans are permanent or if Microsoft will allow those who have been booted from Xbox Live to return at some point down the line.
And on the Xbox support page, Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, has addressed some of the circumstances that could lead to a player’s being banned.
“Players who find their Gamertags banned from Xbox Live have wound up in that situation due to violations of the Xbox Live Terms of Use,” Major Nelson wrote.
“The Xbox Live team monitors players for not just cheating, but also for things like threats, racism, profanity, and just being an all around poor sport and ruining the game for others.
“When a Gamertag comes up as violating our policies for online behavior, the person who owns that Gamertag is punished by being banned from the service. Keep in mind, this isn’t just a ban on a particular game. This is a ban on the Xbox Live service as a whole, so you won’t be able to go online at all during your ban. Initially, you may be banned for a day, a week, or depending on severity, permanently! Kiss that $50 goodbye.”
Final Thought
Don’t mod your Xbox 360 or face the wrath of the Microsoft BAN HAMMER! RAWR.
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