2008 - (11/20/2008) Special Task Force Report/Accounts Banned

Nov. 20, 2008 03:00 [PST] From: FINAL FANTASY XI Accounts Banned (Nov. 20)

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 10,660 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 280 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 October 19, Approx. 280 cases Week of October 26, Approx. 530 cases Week of November 2, Approx. 340 cases Week of November 9, Approx. 380 cases Week of November 16, Approx. 330 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. November 19, Approx. 30 cases

- Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. Week of October 19, Approx. 580 cases Week of October 26, Approx. 1,480 cases Week of November 2, Approx. 1,540 cases Week of November 9, Approx. 1,560 cases Week of November 16, Approx. 680 cases

- Gil and item exchange for real world money. Week of October 26, Approx. 60 cases Week of November 2, Approx. 180 cases Week of November 9, Approx. 380 cases Week of November 16, Approx. 540 cases

- Instances of areas or monster monopolization. October 23, Approx. 100 cases October 30, Approx. 110 cases November 14, Approx. 120 cases November 18, Approx. 30 cases November 19, Approx. 20 cases

- Involved in compromised accounts Week of October 19, Approx. 160 cases Week of October 26, Approx. 180 cases Week of November 2, Approx. 520 cases Week of November 9, Approx. 660 cases Week of November 16, Approx. 100 cases

- Accounts from people that were previously confirmed to have RMT connections, or that had violated the user agreements but re-subscribed to PlayOnline. November 20, Approx. 50 cases

The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 1.3 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.