2008 - (10/22/2008) Special Task Force Report/Accounts Banned

Oct. 22, 2008 04:00 [PDT] From: FINAL FANTASY XI Accounts Banned (Oct. 22)

We would like to report the termination today of multiple accounts held by players involved in the usage of third-party tools or cheats, or engaged in RMT (Real Money Trading) activities.

Based on the results of our investigation, around 7060 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 1520 accounts were temporarily suspended. Additionally, we have increased the number of mass bannings against certain PlayOnline violations in order to prevent illegal acts.

Details of the violations are as follows:

- Usage of tools that allow enhanced character movement. Week of September 21, Approx. 130 cases Week of September 28, Approx. 230 cases Week of October 5, Approx. 250 cases Week of October 12, Approx. 370 cases Week of October 19, Approx. 160 cases

- Usage of tools that circumvent game mechanics with respect to the timing of ability use, etc. in certain areas or at points where Notorious Monsters appear. October 22, Approx. 40 cases

- Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. Week of September 21, Approx. 40 cases Week of September 28, Approx. 890 cases Week of October 5, Approx. 840 cases Week of October 12, Approx. 1080 cases Week of October 19, Approx. 570 cases

- Gil and item exchange for real world money. Week of September 21, Approx. 80 cases Week of October 5, Approx. 10 cases Week of October 12, Approx. 300 cases Week of October 19, Approx. 1540 cases

- Instances of areas or monster monopolization. October 2, Approx. 190 cases October 9, Approx. 110 cases

- Involved in compromised accounts Week of September 21, Approx. 270 cases Week of September 28, Approx. 450 cases Week of October 5, Approx. 360 cases Week of October 12, Approx. 460 cases Week of October 19, Approx. 210 cases

The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 1.2 billion gil from circulation.

We would like to remind players that as well as adversely affecting game balance, the use of third-party tools or cheats can also have consequences that are not immediately obvious, such as introducing damaging viruses, and comprising the security of private account details. Usage of third-party tools will not be tolerated within FINAL FANTASY XI, and we will continue to severely penalize any players found to be in violation of the PlayOnline Member Agreement.

As we continue to ensure a fun and balanced environment for FINAL FANTASY XI, we hope that our players enjoy the game as it was intended and take care to avoid involvement in activities that violate the PlayOnline Member Agreement.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding.