Square Enix Bans Over 800 PlayOnline Accounts

In an aggressive move to rein in player abuses in its PlayStation 2 and PC MMORPG Final Fantasy XI, Square Enix has permanently banned over 800 PlayOnline accounts. This move locks the affected players out of the Tetra Master card game, as well the full MMO itself. In making these bans, the company cited issues with 'camping', an in-game tactic that has not traditionally led to in-game bans in competing MMO titles. "Grief tactics, including harassment, are listed in the PlayOnline Member Agreement as violations and are not allowed for any reason," Square Enix said regarding the bans on the official FFXI site. "Also, interfering other players' game play in order to monopolize monsters which spawn in hunting spots is not allowed." The reference to monopolizing monsters refers to the practice of large, high-level parties camping out at points where particular rare items appear. Some parties attempt to block out all other players' attempts to win these rare items, so that the monopolizing parties can control the price of the goods at the FFXI auction house. "Based on [these actions], we have taken strict actions against players who have violated the PlayOnline Member Agreement," the site's announcement continues. "If you become a victim of harrasment, please make a GM Call and report the issue directly to a Game Master."