Oct. 24, 2007 11:00 [GMT] From: FINAL FANTASY XI

Accounts Banned (Oct. 24)

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 6,750 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 1,150 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. October 4, Approx. 380 cases October 12, Approx. 360 cases October 22, Approx. 240 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 24, Approx. 50 cases - Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. September 28, Approx. 720 cases October 4, Approx. 760 cases October 11, Approx. 790 cases October 18, Approx. 800 cases - Gil and item exchange for real world money. October 5, Approx. 300 cases October 12, Approx. 120 cases October 24, Approx. 410 cases - Instances of areas or monster monopolization. September 28, Approx. 900 cases October 18, Approx. 1,100 cases - Usage of synthesis and auction houses for RMT activities. October 24, Approx. 880 cases - Accounts from people that were previously confirmed to have RMT connections, or that had violated the user agreements but re-subscribed to PlayOnline. October 24, Approx. 90 cases The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 2.3 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.