Account Bannings (5-2008)  

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 7,620 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 1,660 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 May 4, Approx. 530 cases
• Week of May 11, Approx. 780 cases
• Week of May 18, Approx. 440 cases
• Week of May 25, Approx. 190 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.

• May 27, Approx. 20 cases

Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action.

• Week of April 20, Approx. 460 cases
• Week of April 27, Approx. 450 cases
• Week of May 4, Approx. 920 cases
• Week of May 11, Approx. 410 cases
• Week of May 18, Approx. 390 cases

Gil and item exchange for real world money.

• Week of April 27, Approx. 100 cases
• Week of May 4, Approx. 110 cases
• Week of May 11, Approx. 260 cases
• Week of May 18, Approx. 800 cases
• Week of May 25, Approx. 430 cases

Instances of areas or monster monopolization.

• April 25, Approx. 130 cases
• May 15, Approx. 150 cases

Usage of synthesis and auction houses for RMT activities.

• April 28, Approx. 300 cases
• May 7, Approx. 400 cases
• May 12, Approx. 510 cases
• May 19, Approx. 530 cases
• May 26, Approx. 940 cases

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

• May 27, Approx. 30 cases

The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 3.3 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.

Source: Playonline.com