Action Taken Against Third-Party Tool Users

Today, a number of accounts which were confirmed to have violated the user agreement by using unauthorized third-party software tools within FINAL FANTASY XI to enable abnormal in-game movement were discovered and have been suspended or permanently terminated.

Based on the results of an investigation, over 1,400 PlayOnline accounts have been either suspended or terminated on Aug. 30, 2006 for the malicious and intentional use of these third-party tools.

We would like to take this time to remind our players that the use of any third-party tools will not only destroy the in-game balance, but will also encourage RMT (real money trading) activities. We will continue to take strict actions against those individuals that we have confirmed to have used such tools.

Please note that some of these third-party tools may cause character information to be altered, erased, or personal information to be leaked to unwanted third parties. If you come across a third-party tool over the Internet, we ask that you please refrain from the download of such a tool, no matter how minor it may appear to be.

To ensure our customers could enjoy the game safely, we will continue to apply measurements to combat these third-party tools and violations.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

Comments

Post Comment
RMT problem growing?
# Aug 31 2006 at 5:11 PM Rating: Default
Last night in the boyahda tree (sp?) on midgardsrmor I must have bumped into 6 to 8 rmt partys exping off varrious things in the zone.
I have never seen such an influx before and I often spend time there leveling my npc and skilling up off the steel shells ect...

In all the time I have played this game I have yet to bump into so many rmt groups in a single day... earlyer in the Crawlers nest I bumped into a beastmaster party of rmt also. (5 bst all /anon with one ranger named Bigwaves) it was really strange to see so many sheep and crabs.. lol

I suppose SE missed these guys when they banned all the others lol

the only thing I might be able to say we can catch these guys on is that they clearly play multiple accounts at one time.... imho this update rather meaningless to me after what I have seen myself yesterday..
RMT problem growing?
# Aug 31 2006 at 5:07 PM Rating: Default
Last night in the boyahda tree (sp?) on midgardsrmor I must have bumped into 6 to 8 rmt partys exping off varrious things in the zone.
I have never seen such an influx before and I often spend time there leveling my npc and skilling up off the steel shells ect...

In all the time I have played this game I have yet to bump into so many rmt groups in a single day... earlyer in the Crawlers nest I bumped into a beastmaster party of rmt also. (5 bst all /anon with one ranger named Bigwaves) it was really strange to see so many sheep and crabs.. lol

I suppose SE missed these guys when they banned all the others lol

the only thing I might be able to say we can catch these guys on is that they clearly play multiple accounts at one time.... imho this update is rather meaningless to me after what I have seen myself yesterday..
RMT problem growing?
# Aug 31 2006 at 5:03 PM Rating: Default
Last night in the boyahda tree (sp?) on midgardsrmor I must have bumped into 6 to 8 rmt partys exping off varrious things in the zone.
I have never seen such an influx before and I often spend time there leveling my npc and skilling up off the steel shells ect...

In all the time I have played this game I have yet to bump into so many rmt groups in a single day... earlyer in the Crawlers nest I bumped into a beastmaster party of rmt also. (5 bst all /anon with one ranger named Bigwaves) it was really strange to see so many sheep and crabs.. lol

I suppose SE missed these guys when they banned all the others lol

the only thing I might be able to say we can catch these guys on is that they clearly play multiple accounts at one time.... imho this update rather meaningless to me after what I have seen myself yesterday..
Idiots
# Aug 31 2006 at 4:45 PM Rating: Good
Quote:
As for the Windower, When is S.E. gonna make their Windower that allows you to run the game in Windower enviroment but doesnt have the hacks of PT member TP and Distance to Target. If they made these and released them, there wouldnt be any issue then with this.


You are an idiot. Why would they make this? When did they ever say they were going to make this? They never said they were.

You agreed to the TOS before you ever stepped foot in Vana'Diel. If you did not agree you should have not checked the box. This is not an issue for SE because they never said they were going to create such a thing and they do not support such a thing. It is only an issue for people who use it, even though it is against the rules to do so. If people would follow the rules, no one would be banned. Would you complain to the Board of Education if you failed the SAT because you used an ink pen? Clearly states to use a #2 pencil.

I say ban all the idiots that use any type of third party application. The TOS clearly states they are not to be used. Your fault. Grow up.

I wish you good luck with the HR Department when you grow up and get a real job. "Sir, jeans are not acceptable in our office. {Pink Slip}{That's Too Bad...}
Idiots
# Aug 31 2006 at 7:23 PM Rating: Decent
Wow. simply put, you need to take a pill. even tho you might think this person is an "idiot", that doesnt mean they know exactly what you yourself know. your point was made, and in a respectful and diplomatic reply (witch is whats acceptable on this site) you could have just said "Read the TOS man" or something less harsh. and SE is only banning people who are using "3rd party software for mallicious intent". knowing what a partners TP is in an EXP pt so you can SC with them is not walking thru walls or claim stealing before the mobs have spawned. ppl who use running hacks and the like SHOULD be banned, i agree. but lets take a different scenario. do you think the US government is going to give a homeless guy a death scentance for eating food from a grocery store while "shopping" because he hasnt eaten a single thing in a week?

would you want to have someone banned for accessing the game's Registry to improve resolution to 2024x2024? (btw, the resolution rewrite in windows registry is NOT against SEs TOS.) but its still using 3rd pt software to manipulate the game, want them banned too? before you flame, drink some water, watch some TV, and then coem back with a diplomatic reply. its just polite.
Idiots
# Aug 31 2006 at 7:08 PM Rating: Decent
Quote:
You are an idiot. Why would they make this?


Simple, to keep their users, less users = less money.

Quote:
When did they ever say they were going to make this?


They never said they where gonng to let you raise a chocobo or race one until they announced it. There are alot of things in the game that where not there in the beginnning, and no one knew they would make it, until SE said they where.

Some of the new things in the game where not added until SE listened to the users, and decided to do it.

Quote:
Would you complain to the Board of Education if you failed the SAT because you used an ink pen? Clearly states to use a #2 pencil.


Quote:
I wish you good luck with the HR Department when you grow up and get a real job. "Sir, jeans are not acceptable in our office. {Pink Slip}{That's Too Bad...}


Both of these scenarios have nothing to do with this game, if you use a pen on your SAT that's too bad, take it again in pencil. As for dress code in the work place, it varies by work place.

But in SE's case, they want you to stay around and play their game (look at how long it takes to raise a chocobo), not to be fed up with the game and leave. They added expansions, and other things to the game, all in the pursuit of keeping you around.

Quote:
You agreed to the TOS before you ever stepped foot in Vana'Diel.


This is true, and yes, if you get banned for breaking it, or suspended, that's fine, you knew the risks. But TOS aside, everytime SE breaks the windower, the web site to download it at goes down because of the number of people trying to download the latest version, this would tend to indicate that it is a desired ability for a good number of people.

Finally, to the people that are happy with printng out guides, and other FAQs walkthroughs, etc to play FFXI, if it works for you, that's great. Now I have no problem with planning ahead before I log into the game, and printing off a map if I absolutly need it, or asking LS members for information.

However, most people do not find it very economical to print off every quest or map they need information because ink is very expensive. If Brady or some other company published an up to date guide (hopefully one that doesn't suck), it would be in alot of peoples interest to pick up the guide and spare their ink. After all 1 black in cartridge is $27 or higher, 1 color cartridge is $30 or higher (both of which last about 500 pages), and you will go through both printing off the contents of 1 guide from Brady, while the guide from Brady is $20.

Say you have a laser printer, fine, you won't got through much toner, a cartridge can handle 1500 to 9000 pages depending on it's size, and it will be cheaper, however, most people do not have a laser printer.

You are already spending $12.95 or higher depending on the number of characters you have, why spend more on the game. Sure, there are times when you need to print something out, but I should not have to print out something that is equivalent to an entire game guide in the end because I cannot alt tab, or I don't have a second computer to look up information on while playing.
Idiots
# Sep 01 2006 at 12:56 PM Rating: Default
This guy is a prick, what a *******
??
# Aug 31 2006 at 4:40 PM Rating: Default
no offense... but on the topic of "no windower = inconvenience" ... i recommend picking up a really handy machine its kinda cool and i dont think there are any restrictions on using it... its called a printer you dumb *****. stop being lazy and make ur own damn strat guide. DYMINH SERAPH LV 73 SMN
warp bot
# Aug 31 2006 at 1:51 PM Rating: Decent
okay exactly what does a warp bot do.. always been curious about this.. do u just pick a spot and it sends u to like the outpost or do u become invisibile and go up in the air and travel at light speed and come down wherever you want or wut.... I think it would actually be sorta neat to have that instead of dragging your butt to the op warps all the time... any hands on anonymous specific info / links to a REAL video of a warp bot would be cool.

thanks
warp bot
# Aug 31 2006 at 3:48 PM Rating: Default
With a such program u can move to exacte coordination u gave in befor ( saved as a place near zone for exemple). then when u hit the "ok" u will aper there, its instant, u won't "fly in the air".

When some programmer started with such programs they were able to move through zones ( Bastok->Valkrum) but SE fix it very fast...

I'm sorry but i don't know where to find a video.. only the program it self :D
warp bot
# Aug 31 2006 at 3:42 PM Rating: Default
With a such program u can move to exacte coordination u gave in befor ( saved as a place near zone for exemple). then when u hit the "ok" u will aper there, its instant, u won't "fly in the air".
When some programmer started with such programs they were able to move through zones ( Bastok->Valkrum) but SE fix it very fast...
I'm sorry but i don't know where to find a video.. only the program it self :D
warp bot
# Aug 31 2006 at 3:53 PM Rating: Default
-.- now i know why ppl double post ... and i can't even edit caus it's anonymus lol
asdf
# Aug 31 2006 at 12:19 PM Rating: Default
gilsellers still on hades, legit players banned.
gooood job SE.
ya know, i made get booed for this...
# Aug 31 2006 at 10:14 AM Rating: Default
but windower isnt necessary! Go look up stuff on your free time when your not playing. i personally am on PS2 ver. so i dont have the luxury of windower. if your stuck LFP, go make a sandwich, turn on your ps2 and play a game or 2(i have 2 so i split my time playing other stuff). and i doubt anyone noticed the part in the SE post about windower allowing for hackers to jump on your computer while your playing and Fuzzle! with your character(ive been hearing accounts of this happening nowadays, dont know if its true, but it can happen on any other program on your computer so why not this!) bottom line; play like you mean it and stop "depending" on a program that gives you a slight edge in-game.
BTW: i forgot my allakhazam password and im too lazy to look it up lol.
Brahms- Ifrit Server (c ~_^)--b
"abnormal in-game movement"
# Aug 31 2006 at 10:04 AM Rating: Default
I guess ( and i'm sure) that they only banned ppl are user of programms who make them move faster...
I got my self banned :s even if that wasn't the use of a third-party tools ( ther is an other way ;D).
Why i think it's only that? Cause SE can't find out that u pos haxx or use Windower unless someone call a GM.
now waiting my 72h to pass that restart play ^^ but i think i will stop use this kind of programs ( even if i don't know how they find out i did it ... )
Btw from the 1.400 near all are regular player i think ( maybe wome Mining RMT)
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Aug 31 2006 at 7:49 AM Rating: Decent
31 posts
Ok...In case you forgot...

1) SquareSoft (now SquareEnix) originally created Final Fantasy to allow us to challenge our mind and escape to another world. God bless them for that.

2) RPG's are meant to be trial and error. They are NOT meant to be, "I'm too lazy to figure it out on my own so I'm going to look at the information online." With that point said, of course SE wants to make it, what some people call chore, to have to log off and search for information (or in some cases employ a "windower.") They want you to figure it out for yourself. I'm sure a large number of the original Beta testers that still play the game today remember the days when they had no clue what to expect and how much fun it was. I do admit that I too have looked information up online, but by no means do I blame SE for me having to log out to do so.

3) ALL ONLINE GAMES HAVE CHEATERS AND HACKERS PERIOD. BUT, a program such as a windower be it one from SE or third party still allows for hacking (and you are crazy if you think this is the only game that has these problems.)

4) FFXI is on multiple platforms. People keep mentioning that WoW has and windower and this has a windower and that has a windower, but of all the games I've seen mentioned, none of them are on nor have been on multiple platforms. Of course WoW has a windower built into it as does Guild Wars (yes I actually played that)...those are only on PC. SE will not put a windower because it would be unfair to the players on XB360 and PS2 that do not have the ability to do that. SE is trying to keep it uniform on all platforms (this also makes it easier for them come update time.)

5) Since the last mass action taken by SE against violators of the FFXI User Agreement there has been a steady decline in the prices of some more higher priced pieces of equipment. However human greed still exists (the new Chocobo raising event is proof. The wildgrass that cures Chocobo sickness can only be grown. People that know this take advantage of it and this makes it harder for people that can't spend 100k every two days to cure their Chocobo.)

6) Rules are rules. Laws are laws. Regardless of intent. (a Chief Magistrate once told me that. In case you were wondering a Chief Magistrate is a judge that is in charge or higher up than all of the judges in a particular county in a state.)
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Aug 31 2006 at 8:45 PM Rating: Default
glad to say your mistaken the grass is also droped i could tell you where and by what but then id have to kill you :)
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Sep 01 2006 at 11:31 AM Rating: Decent
31 posts
The Tokopekko Wildgrass can only be grown. You have to purchase the seeds that yield this item from an NPC in Aht Urhgan Whitegate. The Tokopekko Wildgrass is specifically asked for by the Chocobo raising NPC. However the Gausebit Wildgrass is dropped off mobs, but this is not the item requested by the Chocobo raising NPC. So next time you try to make other people look stupid make sure you're not making yourself look stupid first.
Glad to see you're an idiot.
# Sep 01 2006 at 11:20 AM Rating: Decent
31 posts
~see above~

Edited, Sep 1st 2006 at 12:40pm EDT by thezeffect
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Aug 31 2006 at 9:16 AM Rating: Decent
People who play using a PS2 and a TV can actually watch TV shows when logged on... So it's unfair because I can't do that... I wanna be able to use my PC, because they're able to use their TVs while playing.

Or they can make it so you can't switch channels while logged on.

Peace~
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Sep 01 2006 at 11:41 AM Rating: Decent
31 posts
So you're telling me that you don't have a television...but you have a computer. Somehow I find that very hard to believe. Ever since the early 1980's 90% of American households have at least one television. Over 70% of households with one television have at least one more (thats 2 people.)I play on PC and also watch television at the same time. However people that use PS2 or XB360 have to switch away from their screen in order to do this. So in a sense PC users already have an advantage over PS2 and XB360 users because PC users don't have to change their screen from FFXI to watch TV, they just have to turn their heads (or their eyes more specifically.)
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Sep 05 2006 at 2:10 AM Rating: Decent
he's saying that people who play on ps2 can change from video1 or whatever back to their cable stations while LFP or bazaaring, but he can't use his computer for other things while lfp or bazaaring
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Aug 31 2006 at 8:38 PM Rating: Default
lol ^
I Think People are Missing the Point...
# Aug 31 2006 at 7:47 AM Rating: Decent
31 posts
Ok...In case you forgot...

1) SquareSoft (now SquareEnix) originally created Final Fantasy to allow us to challenge our mind and escape to another world. God bless them for that.

2) RPG's are meant to be trial and error. They are NOT meant to be, "I'm too lazy to figure it out on my own so I'm going to look at the information online." With that point said, of course SE wants to make it, what some people call chore, to have to log off and search for information (or in some cases employ a "windower.") They want you to figure it out for yourself. I'm sure a large number of the original Beta testers that still play the game today remember the days when they had no clue what to expect and how much fun it was. I do admit that I too have looked information up online, but by no means do I blame SE for me having to log out to do so.

3) ALL ONLINE GAMES HAVE CHEATERS AND HACKERS PERIOD. BUT, a program such as a windower be it one from SE or third party still allows for hacking (and you are crazy if you think this is the only game that has these problems.)

4) FFXI is on multiple platforms. People keep mentioning that WoW has and windower and this has a windower and that has a windower, but of all the games I've seen mentioned, none of them are on nor have been on multiple platforms. Of course WoW has a windower built into it as does Guild Wars (yes I actually played that)...those are only on PC. SE will not put a windower because it would be unfair to the players on XB360 and PS2 that do not have the ability to do that. SE is trying to keep it uniform on all platforms (this also makes it easier for them come update time.)

5) Since the last mass action taken by SE against violators of the FFXI User Agreement there has been a steady decline in the prices of some more higher priced pieces of equipment. However human greed still exists (the new Chocobo raising event is proof. The wildgrass that cures Chocobo sickness can only be grown. People that know this take advantage of it and this makes it harder for people that can't spend 100k every two days to cure their Chocobo.)

6) Rules are rules. Laws are laws. Regardless of intent. (a Chief Magistrate once told me that. In case you were wondering a Chief Magistrate is a judge that is in charge or higher up than all of the judges in a particular county in a state.)
Thanks!
# Aug 31 2006 at 3:03 AM Rating: Default
For those of you using windower and some of the passive plug-ins (like TP for pt members, distance plug-in). All these do is take info that SE sends out to the running FF program and translate it for you. The difference between this and the botting hacks/plug-ins, is they actively modify information that you send.

The only way SE could know if you were using just the windower, is if they hacked into your computer or you shouted in Jeuno 'Yay! I love to use my windower' Eventually, they could create some kind of validation protocol, like microsoft's genuine advantage *barf*. But until then, you don't need to worry about being banned for windower as long as you don't advertise it.

And to mr. hiel hitler, rules are rules,

There is a huge difference between using a windower so you can talk to someone over IM versus actually creating a bot or using a warp hack. Yes, technically ppl who use windower are violating the EULA, but a stupid rule is a stupid rule.

You should be able to see your parties TP. You should be able to talk to ppl on IM while waiting for a PT for hours. In fact, Microsoft vehemently suggests that all programs on windows should be tabbable. Finally, You should be able to know when your next BP is up even if zomg, you don't have carbie up. Using windower doesn't affect you or SE in the least. It just makes it so that they can enjoy the game a little more.

Finally, like the gentleman said above, if SE had the simple ability to tab implemented the majority of ppl who use a windower wouldn't be using a windower.
Thanks!
# Aug 31 2006 at 6:30 AM Rating: Decent
****
6,424 posts
***** TP, ***** Bloodpact timer... all I want is that the game continues to run despite Windows XP and Norton automatic update messages occuring while playing...

Hey ho, hey ho. RMT has got to go!
# Aug 31 2006 at 2:57 AM Rating: Decent
****
6,424 posts
Last time 2000 accounts were banned.
This time it's 1400.

RMT must be using a version of FF XI with an automatic bamstick attached ;)

I forsee another wave of subless parties clogging the leveling areas in the next few weeks...

RMT companies make a filthy amount of money with MMORPG games, but repeated bannings like this will cost them a lot. New accounts have to be bought, characters have to be leveled, and all that time there will be reduce gil flowing into their stockades... Bad business for RMT, good business for us!


Way to go, SE!
Why they don't ban every gil seller
# Aug 31 2006 at 2:03 AM Rating: Decent
There's one huge conflict of error when it comes to SE and the RMT.

There are hundreds, maybe thousand of gilsellers. That's hundreds or thousands of people paying their 12 bux a month... Can't ban all of them, bad for business.

I wouldn't be surprised if IGE was paying a little extra to SE not to have their players booted.
Good work SE
# Aug 31 2006 at 12:45 AM Rating: Decent
FINALLY they have started to eliminate the botters. Gusgen mines has 1/2 of the "miners" it used to have in it. This is good since i depend on mining to supplement my income and consequentially if im being outrun, outmined, and being run in front by a mine bot my money is gonna be pretty bad. Btw for all you people who dont understand why se baned windower ill take a look at a game of the past Diablo 2. How many people used maphack (even i did) BUT look what mephistobot, pindlebot, and baalbot do. they made it so they never had to play and they got the most uber items BTW to sell RMT style. Now how did you run those you alt tabbed and the program rand diablo 2 in a "windower" sound familiar.
about god $$$$ time
# Aug 31 2006 at 12:37 AM Rating: Decent
finally the speedhacking gusgen mine bots are starting to disappear. this is good because i hate being outclaimed by an infinate flee mining bot. keep up the good work SE
...
# Aug 30 2006 at 11:31 PM Rating: Default
shouldn't the news really say...

"Today we here at Square Enix have brought in the next round of Interns to help work in our Alternitive Division. These people will help run the Cash for Gil program, commonly known as "Real Money Trading (RMT)". We wish our previous group of 1400 interns the best of luck in their future endevoures."

*******************************************************************************

As for the Windower, When is S.E. gonna make their Windower that allows you to run the game in Windower enviroment but doesnt have the hacks of PT member TP and Distance to Target. If they made these and released them, there wouldnt be any issue then with this.


Dead Horse, meet the beating stick
# Aug 30 2006 at 11:27 PM Rating: Default
shouldn't the news really say...

"Today we here at Square Enix have brought in the next round of Interns to help work in our Alternitive Division. These people will help run the Cash for Gil program, commonly known as "Real Money Trading (RMT)". We wish our previous group of 1400 interns the best of luck in their future endevoures."

*******************************************************************************

As for the Windower, When is S.E. gonna make their Windower that allows you to run the game in Windower enviroment but doesnt have the hacks of PT member TP and Distance to Target. If they made these and released them, there wouldnt be any issue then with this.


Dead Horse, Meet the beating stick.....
# Aug 30 2006 at 11:26 PM Rating: Default
shouldn't the news really say...

"Today we here at Square Enix have brought in the next round of Interns to help work in our Alternitive Division. These people will help run the Cash for Gil program, commonly known as "Real Money Trading (RMT)". We wish our previous group of 1400 interns the best of luck in their future endevoures."

*******************************************************************************

As for the Windower, When is S.E. gonna make their Windower that allows you to run the game in Windower enviroment but doesnt have the hacks of PT member TP and Distance to Target. If they made these and released them, there wouldnt be any issue then with this.



what a suprise
# Aug 30 2006 at 10:17 PM Rating: Decent
**
265 posts
what a suprise.. on ragnarok

/sea all andysr
/sea all dsl
/sea all peterlu

those are our resident haxxing gilsellers. Strange, they seem to be banning tons of legit players over RMT players.

I say this.. Forget about the 3rd party programs for a bit, and focus on the RMT players. Just a thought.
what a suprise
# Aug 31 2006 at 12:18 PM Rating: Decent
**
435 posts
Quote:
Forget about the 3rd party programs for a bit, and focus on the RMT players. Just a thought.


<Yes, please.>
kill this horse one more time
# Aug 30 2006 at 9:39 PM Rating: Decent
im begiing to think that they arent closing accounts simply for using a windower if all youre doing is just alt tabing.

moreover, it doesnt seem like account closure is much of a deterrent given the amount of people whose accounts have been closed since SE has started this 'war on thirdparty users' crusade, especially since thats the untimate 'death penalty' type of punishment that can be dealt. accross all the servers 1400 people knew the rules and yet managed to get themselves cought.

or....SE has a ban list of people and every month some would be GM be like 'hmmm who on the list shall we ban today?' in any case, this constant announcement of the deceased is pointless and annoying. if every so on they ban 1k + people eventually they will get to a redline where they are suddenly biting the very hand that feeds them.

i dont really see SE shelling out money out of their deep pockets to compensate for banned subscribers for violation of their rules.
dead horse how has been minced
# Aug 30 2006 at 9:36 PM Rating: Decent
im begiing to think that they arent closing accounts simply for using a windower if all youre doing is just alt tabing.

moreover, it doesnt seem like account closure is much of a deterrent given the amount of people whose accounts have been closed since SE has started this 'war on thirdparty users' crusade, especially since thats the untimate 'death penalty' type of punishment that can be dealt. accross all the servers 1400 people knew the rules and yet managed to get themselves cought.

or....SE has a ban list of people and every month some would be GM be like 'hmmm who on the list shall we ban today?' in any case, this constant announcement of the deceased is pointless and annoying. if every so on they ban 1k + people eventually they will get to a redline where they are suddenly biting the very hand that feeds them.

i dont really see SE shelling out money out of their deep pockets to compensate for banned subscribers for violation of their rules.
so...
# Aug 30 2006 at 8:21 PM Rating: Decent
**
947 posts
Possible Solution:

Why doesn't SE make it possible for the game to be run in windowed mode naturally on PC?
so...
# Aug 30 2006 at 9:43 PM Rating: Decent
Probably for the same reason that they crack down on Windower use. It can create a back door for even more 3rd party tools and/or hacks. You hear about the fiaso with Sony BMG's rootkit hidden on Audio CD's and how people were using it as a back door into WoW code, using it to alter their stuff? All they had to do was put a $ at the begining of the filename or something and WoW couldn't detect the code changes. I can't remember specifics. Its more than likely that it was because WoW does allow window-switching. It seems to me that it makes the the code less secure.
Alt-Tabbing and Security
# Sep 01 2006 at 5:25 PM Rating: Decent
Its more than likely that it was because WoW does allow window-switching. It seems to me that it makes the the code less secure.

I'm studying software engineering at the graduate level and I can tell you that isn't true. Here is an everyday example that should help clarify: Many banks let you move real money around using a webpage, that you can view in many different browsers, over which the bank has little or no control. Not only can you alt-tab out of your browser, you could be running just about any plugin under the sun. Banks are pretty concerned with security, but they don't worry about this. Why is that?

The simple anwser is they aren't relying on your browser to behave. They check everything it sends to them and won't follow any instructions it sends them that don't make sense or shouldn't be allowed. They don't send any information to your browser that they don't actually want you to have. The bank is taking responsability for their own behavior and because of that places few burdens on the user's systems or the users themselves.

Now consider the alternative. In this scenario the bank wants to trust your computer, not double-check what your computer sends them. Now they must be very concerned that your computer is worthy of trust, it might be compromised (particularly by you) and they need to ensure that you're only running authorized code that has not been modified on trustworthy hardware. When their trusted client is compromised in some way (as it almost inevitably will be) it can be used to make the bank's computers do bad or crazy things. As soon as they want to trust you, they also need to control you.

FFXI and many other MMOs (including WOW, but at least they let you alt tab and configure the interface yourself) are currently living in the second scenario. Rather than take more responsability themselves, they put more and more effort into controlling client's computers. This creates a perpetual arms-race between users who want to control their own computers (or cheat) and software publishers who need to make ever-more-invasive clients to feel comfortable trusting them, increases the potential for abuse when a client is compromised, and creates an environment where users feel publishers don't trust them (and they don't, because they can't afford to).

Gameplay hacks like warp hacks, flee hacks, and TP viewing are possible only becuase, for whatever reason, SE wants them to be possible. None of the hacks I've read about give users undue control over SE severs so the game server always has the choice to act on a user's insructions, or not; to send them information, or not. If you don't want users to know party member's TP, don't send it to them. If you don't want users to be able to move quickly or instantly from place to place then don't just blindly follow thier instructions when they try to. From a security perspective it really is just that simple. I'll admit this increases the burden on SE's servers, but I higly doubt it would do so to a technically unfiesable level.
Hmm
# Aug 30 2006 at 8:20 PM Rating: Decent
**
567 posts
The extent to which this ban interferes with RMT is limited to things like botting, speed hacks, and warp hacks. There is no one on my server that I know of who has been kicked for using windower by this "police action".

For those who don't know, Windower, by allowing one to run tools in the background, and by use of its plugin interface, allows harmless things (Like seeing your party members' TP, or displaying the distance to the mob) and harmful things (ffxiapp, bots, hacks). SE probably couldn't give a damn if you alt+tabbed to look at Alla, or a video, or **** (or all 3), but the same tool that lets you alt+tab also provides an interface for REALLY bad programs. Which is why SE has such a beef with windower.

To be honest, I felt that this was one of their better press releases, because it actually spoke of the real problems, not "Third party tools bad. You go to Hell".

Some quotes are in order:



Quote:
confirmed to have violated the user agreement by... enabling abnormal in-game movement were discovered and have been suspended or permanently terminated

A follow up:

Quote:
Based on the results of an investigation... accounts have been either suspended or terminated... for the malicious and intentional use of these third-party tools


Yep. The GM's ACTUALLY DO STUFF. Granted, once in a ***** Ice Age, but there you have it.


Quote:
use of any third-party tools will not only destroy the in-game balance, but will also encourage RMT (real money trading) activities


It's hard to see alt+tabbing being the RMT concern, but when you consider things like hacks, I would have to agree with SE's Statement.


Quote:
To ensure our customers could enjoy the game safely, we will continue to apply measurements to combat these third-party tools and violations.



They actually have souls. Although, in the future, it would be more believable if the statement actually had Authors, and wasn't a computer printout. Thanks for trying though.
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