2008 - (09/25/2008) Special Task Force Report/Accounts Banned

Sep. 25, 2008 04:00 [PDT] From: FINAL FANTASY XI
 * Accounts Banned (Sep. 25)

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 4640 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 340 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 August 24, Approx. 130 cases Week of August 31, Approx. 290 cases Week of September 7, Approx. 260 cases Week of September 14, Approx. 270 cases Week of September 21, Approx. 170 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. September 25, Approx. 20 cases

- Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. Week of August 24, Approx. 20 cases Week of August 31, Approx. 110 cases Week of September 7, Approx. 180 cases Week of September 14, Approx. 200 cases Week of September 21, Approx. 220 cases

- Gil and item exchange for real world money. Week of August 24, Approx. 10 cases Week of August 31, Approx. 20 cases Week of September 7, Approx. 30 cases Week of September 14, Approx. 310 cases Week of September 21m Approx. 220 cases

- Instances of areas or monster monopolization. September 4, Approx. 130 cases September 11, Approx. 100 cases

- Involved in compromised accounts Week of August 31, Approx. 400 cases Week of September 7, Approx. 690 cases Week of September 14, Approx. 710 cases Week of September 21, Approx. 490 cases

The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 1.8 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.