Mar. 25, 2008 04:00 [PDT] From: FINAL FANTASY XI

Accounts Banned (Mar. 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 8,900 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 1,500 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. February 27, Approx. 270 cases March 4, Approx. 330 cases March 10, Approx. 460 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. March 25, Approx. 30 cases - Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. February 21, Approx. 950 cases February 27, Approx. 560 cases March 5, Approx. 750 cases March 6, Approx. 190 cases March 13, Approx. 860 cases March 19, Approx. 480 cases March 21, Approx. 40 cases - Gil and item exchange for real world money. Week of February 17, Approx. 110 cases Week of February 24, Approx. 40 cases Week of March 2, Approx. 100 cases Week of March 9, Approx. 30 cases Week of March 16, Approx. 120 cases Week of March 23, Approx. 1,160 cases - Instances of areas or monster monopolization. February 21, Approx. 310 cases February 29, Approx. 110 cases March 13, Approx. 110 cases - Usage of synthesis and auction houses for RMT activities. February 25, Approx. 470 cases March 3, Approx. 900 cases March 5, Approx. 160 cases March 11, Approx. 1,040 cases March 17, Approx. 630 cases - Accounts from people that were previously confirmed to have RMT connections, or that had violated the user agreements but re-subscribed to PlayOnline. March 25, Approx. 190 cases The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 5.8 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.