Jul. 24, 2007 04:00 [PDT] From: FINAL FANTASY XI

Accounts Banned (Jul. 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 4700 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 750 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. June 28, Approx. 250 cases July 5, Approx. 230 cases July 12, Approx. 150 cases July 19, Approx. 120 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. June 28, Approx. 10 cases July 5, Approx. 5 cases July 19, Approx. 30 cases July 20, Approx. 5 case - Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. June 27, Approx. 300 cases July 5, Approx. 360 cases July 12, Approx. 550 cases July 19, Approx. 240 cases Gil and item exchange for real world money cases: July 24, Approx. 350 cases - Instances of areas or monster monopolization. July 3, Approx. 450 cases July 10, Approx. 1060 cases July 12, Approx. 740 cases July 19, Approx. 600 cases The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 2.6 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.