Jul. 22, 2008 04:00 [PDT] From: FINAL FANTASY XI

Accounts Banned (Jul. 22)

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 3770 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 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 June 22, Approx. 120 cases Week of July 1, Approx. 240 cases Week of July 6, Approx. 310 cases Week of July 13, Approx. 320 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. July 22, Approx. 10 cases - Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. Week of June 22, Approx. 70 cases Week of July 1, Approx. 100 cases Week of July 6, Approx. 90 cases Week of July 13, Approx. 300 cases - Gil and item exchange for real world money. Week of July 1, Approx. 60 cases Week of July 6, Approx. 150 cases Week of July 13, Approx. 200 cases Week of July 20, Approx. 230 cases - Instances of areas or monster monopolization. June 26, Approx. 160 cases July 3, Approx. 260 cases July 10, Approx. 150 cases July 17, Approx. 150 cases July 22, Approx. 20 cases - Usage of synthesis and auction houses for RMT activities. June 30, Approx. 60 cases July 7, Approx. 480 cases July 14, Approx. 340 cases - Involved in compromised accounts July 22, Approx. 590 cases - Accounts from people that were previously confirmed to have RMT connections, or that had violated the user agreements but re-subscribed to PlayOnline. July 22, Approx. 20 cases The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 2 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.