Aug. 26, 2008 04:00 [PDT] From: FINAL FANTASY XI

Accounts Banned (Aug. 26)

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 5760 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 420 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 July 20, Approx. 240 cases Week of July 27, Approx. 330 cases Week of August 3, Approx. 210 cases Week of August 17, Approx. 340 cases Week of August 24, Approx. 150 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. August 26, Approx. 20 cases - Using cheats to automatically repeat a particular action. Week of July 20, Approx. 160 cases Week of July 27, Approx. 60 cases Week of August 3, Approx. 140 cases Week of August 17, Approx. 240 cases Week of August 24, Approx. 30 cases - Gil and item exchange for real world money. Week of July 27, Approx. 20 cases Week of August 3, Approx. 20 cases Week of August 17, Approx. 200 cases Week of August 24, Approx. 150 cases - Instances of areas or monster monopolization. July 24, Approx. 190 cases August 7, Approx. 200 cases August 25, Approx. 160 cases - Usage of synthesis and auction houses for RMT activities. July 22, Approx. 650 cases - Involved in compromised accounts Week of July 20, Approx. 420 cases Week of July 27, Approx. 810 cases Week of August 3, Approx. 700 cases Week of August 17, Approx. 680 cases Week of August 24, Approx. 60 cases The termination of these accounts has led to the removal of approximately 2.5 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.