Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

EA Issues Game Bans for Forum "Misconduct"

123468

Comments

  • BlasphimBlasphim Member UncommonPosts: 354

    Originally posted by Gardavsshade

    Originally posted by Blasphim


    Originally posted by ArEf


    Originally posted by Blasphim



    I live in the U.S. very close to the Mexico border.  When i go into Mexico I must abide by their laws or I pay the price.

    Yes, and when a company asks a person in the US to sign a contract, they must abide by US contract law. When a company asks a person in the UK to sign a contract, they must abide by UK contract law.

    I think you're finally getting it!

    ...Yeah, and when you sign the EULA and TOS by clicking accept, you are agreeing to abide by that contract....kinda what I was saying....

     

    so...what's the problem?

    The problem is the Laws are imbalanced. Incomplete.

    Are you and others trying to convince me that it's OK for a Corporation to hold most of favorable benefits in a legal contract while the Customers is disadvantaged?

    Are you trying to tell me that is OK with you? That you would agree to such a contract in the first place? Even for a MMO?

    If any of your answers to my questions is YES, then we all have much bigger issues than forum posters having their game accounts banned.

    And Yes a EULA and TOS for a MMO is just for a MMO... but if enough customers blindly sign these contracts without questioning them, these customers set a precedent and future contracts will be written by those precedents. No matter how good the MMO is if the EULA and TOS are borderline wrong in how the customer, i.e. the Player, is treated, then we should not be agreeing to them.

     

    Sad to say, in most contracts somebodies getting the short end.  It may be different in the EU region, hell the rest of the known world for that matter, but I am telling you, that as far as the U.S. is concerned, by clicking the *Accept* button/tab/thingamawhatzit, you have agreed to that contract.  Don't wanna agree?  Don't click accept, it's that simple.  You have that choice.  You want install Swtor on your machine, you gotta click accept.  Wanna play that fancy new shooter (can't keep track of em these days) that EA has published, from your shiney new pc, you'll have to accept their TOS and EULA, or you can by the other companies new bang bang game...of course, then you'd have to agree to that one....

    You can always take your case to court if you don't like it, roll the dice and see what happens, that's your choice.  Me, I'll just play the games and do my best not to be an asshat and get myself banned.  Simple.

     

    Now as far as EA/Origin snooping around my harddrive, well there are ways around that I am sure, and I dunno how legal that would be, and if that's one of the things with accepting the TOS and EULA for Swtor, then either I agree, and do my best to circumvent said snooping, or I don't, and play Skyrim and other said games.

  • ExcessionExcession Member RarePosts: 709

    Originally posted by ArEf

    Originally posted by Gibbonici



    You don't need a lawyer to understand a EULA, they aren't written in legalese (which makes some people believe they are aren't valid) and the responsibilities and expectations are clearly laid out in pretty simple terms. And it's not even just about EULAs. From your link "A contract may also be formed verbally or by implication, simply by one party making an offer and the other party accepting that offer – even purchasing an item in a shop, or getting into a taxi are examples of this."

    I very much doubt that EA will be banning people without warning, and the warnings will be enough to demonstrate an understanding of responsibilities and consequences. I've had my fair share of warnings and infractions over the years and each time I've taken them on board and modified my behaviour accordingly. It's not hard to do.

    And beyond all this, there's no obligation to post on the official forums, so even if you don't want to put your money where you mouth is by bringing legal action you can simply avoid any risk of getting temporarily banned by not posting there. There will be dozens of other forums where exactly the same things are discussed, and if there is something you want to raise on the official forums you can do that without being a jerk about it. People do it all the time and its really not hard.

    Er, yes they are. You're quite blatantly lying. :D

    Wow, it's amazing how many lies one person can post.

    I completely agree, it is amazing how you keep posting.


    Originally posted by Blasphim

    Originally posted by Gardavsshade


    Originally posted by Blasphim


    Originally posted by ArEf


    Originally posted by Blasphim



    I live in the U.S. very close to the Mexico border.  When i go into Mexico I must abide by their laws or I pay the price.

    Yes, and when a company asks a person in the US to sign a contract, they must abide by US contract law. When a company asks a person in the UK to sign a contract, they must abide by UK contract law.

    I think you're finally getting it!

    ...Yeah, and when you sign the EULA and TOS by clicking accept, you are agreeing to abide by that contract....kinda what I was saying....

     

    so...what's the problem?

    The problem is the Laws are imbalanced. Incomplete.

    Are you and others trying to convince me that it's OK for a Corporation to hold most of favorable benefits in a legal contract while the Customers is disadvantaged?

    Are you trying to tell me that is OK with you? That you would agree to such a contract in the first place? Even for a MMO?

    If any of your answers to my questions is YES, then we all have much bigger issues than forum posters having their game accounts banned.

    And Yes a EULA and TOS for a MMO is just for a MMO... but if enough customers blindly sign these contracts without questioning them, these customers set a precedent and future contracts will be written by those precedents. No matter how good the MMO is if the EULA and TOS are borderline wrong in how the customer, i.e. the Player, is treated, then we should not be agreeing to them.

     

    Sad to say, in most contracts somebodies getting the short end.  It may be different in the EU region, hell the rest of the known world for that matter, but I am telling you, that as far as the U.S. is concerned, by clicking the *Accept* button/tab/thingamawhatzit, you have agreed to that contract.  Don't wanna agree?  Don't click accept, it's that simple.  You have that choice.  You want install Swtor on your machine, you gotta click accept.  Wanna play that fancy new shooter (can't keep track of em these days) that EA has published, from your shiney new pc, you'll have to accept their TOS and EULA, or you can by the other companies new bang bang game...of course, then you'd have to agree to that one....

    You can always take your case to court if you don't like it, roll the dice and see what happens, that's your choice.  Me, I'll just play the games and do my best not to be an asshat and get myself banned.  Simple.

    It is the same in the UK basically, regardless of the posts a certain poster is making.

     

    A creative person is motivated by the desire to achieve, not the desire to beat others.

  • ArEfArEf Member Posts: 233

    Originally posted by Byrhofen

    I completely agree, it is amazing how you keep posting.

    Do you guys get paid for shilling like this, or do you do it out of the goodness of your own heart?


    Originally posted by Byrhofen

    It is the same in the UK basically, regardless of the posts a certain poster is making.



    No, it's not. Learn your rights before posting, please.

    EDIT: You've purchased a product. Upon purchase, you are not informed of the EULA. This is illegal.

    Add me on Steam!

    RawrfulCast - My YouTube Channel
    Me and a Friend are Bad At Games :(
  • AntariousAntarious Member UncommonPosts: 2,843

    Just to chime in... personally I think its great if people banned for forum misconduct are banned from their games.

     

    Now if they can add general chat misconduct to that list... the virtual worlds might be worth playing in again.   Heck if EA was really active on taking care of business this way... I'd subscribe to TOR for that reason alone.

  • GibboniciGibbonici Member UncommonPosts: 472

    Originally posted by ArEf

    Originally posted by Gibbonici



    You don't need a lawyer to understand a EULA, they aren't written in legalese (which makes some people believe they are aren't valid) and the responsibilities and expectations are clearly laid out in pretty simple terms. And it's not even just about EULAs. From your link "A contract may also be formed verbally or by implication, simply by one party making an offer and the other party accepting that offer – even purchasing an item in a shop, or getting into a taxi are examples of this."

    I very much doubt that EA will be banning people without warning, and the warnings will be enough to demonstrate an understanding of responsibilities and consequences. I've had my fair share of warnings and infractions over the years and each time I've taken them on board and modified my behaviour accordingly. It's not hard to do.

    And beyond all this, there's no obligation to post on the official forums, so even if you don't want to put your money where you mouth is by bringing legal action you can simply avoid any risk of getting temporarily banned by not posting there. There will be dozens of other forums where exactly the same things are discussed, and if there is something you want to raise on the official forums you can do that without being a jerk about it. People do it all the time and its really not hard.

    Er, yes they are. You're quite blatantly lying. :D

    Wow, it's amazing how many lies one person can post.

    Oh please. What possible motive have I got to lie?

     

    Having no proof whatsoever that anyone has been banned out of the blue, I'm not going to presume it's happened based on rumour. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people with long histories of trolling, personal abuse and outright bullying get banned, only for them to claim innocence often with friends and guildmates backing them up.

     

    So often these self-proclaimed martyrs to the cause of liberty have turned out to be little more than trolls and regular posters have known exactly what they are. I've seen it enough times to become sceptical of claims that one post got them banned.

     

    If you don't want to risk a ban, don't post there. If you've got any rock solid proof that such instant bans have happened let me know and I won't post there either. Easy, isn't it?

  • ArEfArEf Member Posts: 233

    Originally posted by Gibbonici

    Oh please. What possible motive have I got to lie?

    Having no proof whatsoever that anyone has been banned out of the blue, I'm not going to presume it's happened based on rumour. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people with long histories of trolling, personal abuse and outright bullying get banned, only for them to claim innocence often with friends and guildmates backing them up.

    So often these self-proclaimed martyrs to the cause of liberty have turned out to be little more than trolls and regular posters have known exactly what they are. I've seen it enough times to become sceptical of claims that one post got them banned.

    If you don't want to risk a ban, don't post there. If you've got any rock solid proof that such instant bans have happened let me know and I won't post there either. Easy, isn't it?

    "HOW DARE THESE JOURNALISTS DO INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM INTO THE FALLOUT FROM OUR DISGUSTING EULAS?! LETS SAY THEY'RE JUST NASTY RUMOURS!"

    Maybe... Errr... Read the articles?

    Why do I keep having to repeat this?

    Add me on Steam!

    RawrfulCast - My YouTube Channel
    Me and a Friend are Bad At Games :(
  • ExcessionExcession Member RarePosts: 709

    Originally posted by ArEf

    Originally posted by Byrhofen



    I completely agree, it is amazing how you keep posting.

    Do you guys get paid for shilling like this, or do you do it out of the goodness of your own heart?


    Originally posted by Byrhofen



    It is the same in the UK basically, regardless of the posts a certain poster is making.



    No, it's not. Learn your rights before posting, please.

    EDIT: You've purchased a product. Upon purchase, you are not informed of the EULA. This is illegal.

    You are wrong actually.

    Check out the EA site.

    Unless you are blind, you will see a link to THIS, and THIS.

    So in fact, they do inform you of the EULA before you purchase.

    Ignorance is not an excuse.

    A creative person is motivated by the desire to achieve, not the desire to beat others.

  • BlasphimBlasphim Member UncommonPosts: 354

    Originally posted by Gibbonici

    Originally posted by ArEf


    Originally posted by Gibbonici

    *snippage*

    If you don't want to risk a ban, don't post there. If you've got any rock solid proof that such instant bans have happened let me know and I won't post there either. Easy, isn't it?

    One would think so, but by the posts here I am not so sure anymore..... image

  • ArEfArEf Member Posts: 233

    Originally posted by Byrhofen

    You are wrong actually.

    Check out the EA site.

    Unless you are blind, you will see a link to THIS, and THIS.

    So in fact, they do inform you of the EULA before you purchase.

    Ignorance is not an excuse.

    Go into a shop and purchase the game.

    Do you get informed of the EULA?

    ( Hint: The answer is no. )

    EDIT: Also, they don't count. You have to be genuinely informed of it before purchase.

    Add me on Steam!

    RawrfulCast - My YouTube Channel
    Me and a Friend are Bad At Games :(
  • ExcessionExcession Member RarePosts: 709

    Originally posted by ArEf

    Originally posted by Byrhofen



    You are wrong actually.

    Check out the EA site.

    Unless you are blind, you will see a link to THIS, and THIS.

    So in fact, they do inform you of the EULA before you purchase.

    Ignorance is not an excuse.

    Go into a shop and purchase the game.

    Do you get informed of the EULA?

    ( Hint: The answer is no. )

    Ah, so now you are trying to say that EA is guilty of illegally using EULA's because the shop assistants do not mention that there is a EULA.....

    lol

    EA have all the EULA's and the ToS available 24/7 for anyone and everyone to see on their website, anyone that claims they were not aware an EA product had a EULA or a ToS is ignorant, and as I said in my previous post, ignorance is not an excuse, and in law, it most certainly is not a defence.

    But keep please posting, I am enjoying the entertainment.

    A creative person is motivated by the desire to achieve, not the desire to beat others.

  • ArEfArEf Member Posts: 233

    Originally posted by Byrhofen

    Ah, so now you are trying to say that EA is guilty of illegally using EULA's because the shop assistants do not mention that there is a EULA.....

    lol

    EA have all the EULA's and the ToS available 24/7 for anyone and everyone to see on their website, anyone that claims they were not aware an EA product had a EULA or a ToS is ignorant, and as I said in my previous post, ignorance is not an excuse, and in law, it most certainly is not a defence.

    But keep please posting, I am enjoying the entertainment.

    You really don't get paid enough by them, you'd almost convinced me.

    ( And, yes, that's how contracts work. )

    Add me on Steam!

    RawrfulCast - My YouTube Channel
    Me and a Friend are Bad At Games :(
  • DistopiaDistopia Member EpicPosts: 21,183

    @ Aref

    I don't think you're getting why many agree with the direction EA is taking in regard to forum misconduct. It's not that people are simply taking EA's side, they're taking the side of better in-game communities. I'd prefer any company to care less about making a few extra dollars, and care more about offering positive gaming communities.

    For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson


  • ArEfArEf Member Posts: 233

    Originally posted by Distopia

    @ Aref

    I don't think you're getting why many agree with the direction EA is taking in regard to forum misconduct. It's not that people are simply taking EA's side, they're taking the side of better in-game communities. I'd prefer any company to care less about making a few extra dollars, and care more about offering positive gaming communities.

    Except they're doing it so that people will buy twice as many games for banning. Do you not see that?

    Add me on Steam!

    RawrfulCast - My YouTube Channel
    Me and a Friend are Bad At Games :(
  • GibboniciGibbonici Member UncommonPosts: 472

    Originally posted by ArEf

    Originally posted by Gibbonici



    Oh please. What possible motive have I got to lie?

    Having no proof whatsoever that anyone has been banned out of the blue, I'm not going to presume it's happened based on rumour. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people with long histories of trolling, personal abuse and outright bullying get banned, only for them to claim innocence often with friends and guildmates backing them up.

    So often these self-proclaimed martyrs to the cause of liberty have turned out to be little more than trolls and regular posters have known exactly what they are. I've seen it enough times to become sceptical of claims that one post got them banned.

    If you don't want to risk a ban, don't post there. If you've got any rock solid proof that such instant bans have happened let me know and I won't post there either. Easy, isn't it?

    "HOW DARE THESE JOURNALISTS DO INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM INTO THE FALLOUT FROM OUR DISGUSTING EULAS?! LETS SAY THEY'RE JUST NASTY RUMOURS!"

    Maybe... Errr... Read the articles?

    Why do I keep having to repeat this?



    I've read them and I remain sceptical. I've been around long enough to know that there is always, always more to these stories. I've seen these things happen at first hand too many times to take it on faith, even from such paragons of investigative journalism as RPS.

  • ArEfArEf Member Posts: 233

    Originally posted by Gibbonici

    Originally posted by ArEf


    Originally posted by Gibbonici



    Oh please. What possible motive have I got to lie?

    Having no proof whatsoever that anyone has been banned out of the blue, I'm not going to presume it's happened based on rumour. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people with long histories of trolling, personal abuse and outright bullying get banned, only for them to claim innocence often with friends and guildmates backing them up.

    So often these self-proclaimed martyrs to the cause of liberty have turned out to be little more than trolls and regular posters have known exactly what they are. I've seen it enough times to become sceptical of claims that one post got them banned.

    If you don't want to risk a ban, don't post there. If you've got any rock solid proof that such instant bans have happened let me know and I won't post there either. Easy, isn't it?

    "HOW DARE THESE JOURNALISTS DO INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM INTO THE FALLOUT FROM OUR DISGUSTING EULAS?! LETS SAY THEY'RE JUST NASTY RUMOURS!"

    Maybe... Errr... Read the articles?

    Why do I keep having to repeat this?



    I've read them and I remain sceptical. I've been around long enough to know that there is always, always more to these stories. I've seen these things happen at first hand too many times to take it on faith, even from such paragons of investigative journalism as RPS.

    Well, we'd know more if EA wasn't a closed box of bullshit.

    The fact they claimed in 2008 that they'd never ban a user from game by getting banned on the forums should, alone, prevent you from every buy any of their products.

    Add me on Steam!

    RawrfulCast - My YouTube Channel
    Me and a Friend are Bad At Games :(
  • DistopiaDistopia Member EpicPosts: 21,183

    Originally posted by ArEf

    Originally posted by Distopia

    @ Aref

    I don't think you're getting why many agree with the direction EA is taking in regard to forum misconduct. It's not that people are simply taking EA's side, they're taking the side of better in-game communities. I'd prefer any company to care less about making a few extra dollars, and care more about offering positive gaming communities.

    Except they're doing it so that people will buy twice as many games for banning. Do you not see that?

    Wait now who's fault is that? If I get banned from a game in such a way, I know for certain I'm not going to go out and buy more games from that company. Especially if I'm not guilty as you're making it out to be for the majority of these cases.

    For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson


  • BlasphimBlasphim Member UncommonPosts: 354

    Originally posted by ArEf

    Originally posted by Gibbonici


    Originally posted by ArEf


    Originally posted by Gibbonici



    Oh please. What possible motive have I got to lie?

    Having no proof whatsoever that anyone has been banned out of the blue, I'm not going to presume it's happened based on rumour. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen people with long histories of trolling, personal abuse and outright bullying get banned, only for them to claim innocence often with friends and guildmates backing them up.

    So often these self-proclaimed martyrs to the cause of liberty have turned out to be little more than trolls and regular posters have known exactly what they are. I've seen it enough times to become sceptical of claims that one post got them banned.

    If you don't want to risk a ban, don't post there. If you've got any rock solid proof that such instant bans have happened let me know and I won't post there either. Easy, isn't it?

    "HOW DARE THESE JOURNALISTS DO INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM INTO THE FALLOUT FROM OUR DISGUSTING EULAS?! LETS SAY THEY'RE JUST NASTY RUMOURS!"

    Maybe... Errr... Read the articles?

    Why do I keep having to repeat this?



    I've read them and I remain sceptical. I've been around long enough to know that there is always, always more to these stories. I've seen these things happen at first hand too many times to take it on faith, even from such paragons of investigative journalism as RPS.

    Well, we'd know more if EA wasn't a closed box of bullshit.

    The fact they claimed in 2008 that they'd never ban a user from game by getting banned on the forums should, alone, prevent you from every buy any of their products.

    Dude Aref, the way yer goin on about this, I have to seriously ask you, where did the bad EA touch you?  Were you banned unjustly?  Did the EULA and TOS somehow ruin your life? 

     

    Jokes aside, I am extremely curious as to where this....rampant hatred of EA comes from?

  • ArEfArEf Member Posts: 233

    Originally posted by zymurgeist

     Your articles don't prove anything. They're crap. Go to the SWtoR forums right now and search forn the term E-peen. It's EVERYWHERE. The moderators use it. The statements in  the article are false.  It may be illegal for companies to some things but it's not nor has it ever been ruled illegal anywhere for companies to moderate their forums, no matter how draconian they are about it. Your use of their facilities is contingient on your acceptance of and obediance to their rules. You're welcome to hire ten thousand lawyers and fight it if you wish but I doubt any judge anywhere is going to hear a complaint about something that never happened. You are  baiting others to respond in a negative manner. I'd narrow that sentence to one word but the moderators seem to object to the word if not always the practice.

    lol, wow.

    You've actually skimmed the articles but not read them, haven't you? Or have you just read my articles in this thread?

    The issue is that people can get their own games taken away from them because of their personal opinions and views, not whatever magic you're making up.


    Originally posted by Blasphim

    Jokes aside, I am extremely curious as to where this....rampant hatred of EA comes from?

    Shit, I wonder. (Hint: The answer is in the original post.)

    Add me on Steam!

    RawrfulCast - My YouTube Channel
    Me and a Friend are Bad At Games :(
  • pharazonicpharazonic Member Posts: 860

    oh, it's EA. and their usual, arrogant incompetence.. nothing to see here folks, move along. 

    "Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

    I need to take this advice more.

  • warmaster670warmaster670 Member Posts: 1,384

    Solution: dont go to there forums and act like a moron.

     

    Guess that might be to difficult for mmo players to do.

    Apparently stating the truth in my sig is "trolling"
    Sig typo fixed thanks to an observant stragen001.

  • nerovipus32nerovipus32 Member Posts: 2,735

    Being banned from the forum is fair enough but being banned from the game is a complete joke. The person paid for those games on origin, how can EA ban them from playing what they have already paid for. i would expect a full refund of my money.

  • DistopiaDistopia Member EpicPosts: 21,183

    EA response: “This action was necessary due to the repeated nature of the offense on the account. We regret having to take this final step, but it is entirely necessary on behalf of protecting the Electronic Arts Online community. The violation has already been discussed above so further communication on this matter won’t be entertained. We thank you for your understanding on all the statutes within the Terms of Service, and they still contractually apply to you as per the original agreement, especially the sections regarding terminated members of the service.”

    RPSG: "No such discussion had taken place. No such “repeated” offense had occurred. Which makes the refusal to even discuss this ban somewhat problematic. Since he received this email, James has not been able to access any of his Origin games online."

    Where's the proof that none of this took place that's my question? Everyone is innocent right? There's zero evidence these folks didn't deserve bans aside from them saying they didn't. Where's the fact checking here?

    I could go over there right now and say i too was banend, offer up a fabricated e-mail response and they'd include me in their next piece on this issue. Rock paper shotgun has no access to the history of these folks behavior EA does.

    For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson


  • WinterizerWinterizer Member Posts: 65

    Originally posted by nerovipus32

    Being banned from the forum is fair enough but being banned from the game is a complete joke. The person paid for those games on origin, how can EA ban them from playing what they have already paid for. i would expect a full refund of my money.

    Ofcourse they can ban from the game without no refunds regardless what they have paid for.

    What some cant get is that the moment they accept the rules of the game they give up their own right to decide what is right or wrong.

    If there is someone that can´t accept that, then dont play. It is simple as that. Usually the terms will be something like this "we reserve the right to terminate the account without any refunds if a violation has occured with the account", and a violation will ofcourse be all media involved with the game regardless if it is the game itself or forum.

    Simple as that.

  • channel84channel84 Member UncommonPosts: 585

    Originally posted by Winterizer

    Originally posted by nerovipus32

    Being banned from the forum is fair enough but being banned from the game is a complete joke. The person paid for those games on origin, how can EA ban them from playing what they have already paid for. i would expect a full refund of my money.

    Ofcourse they can ban from the game without no refunds regardless what they have paid for.

    What some cant get is that the moment they accept the rules of the game they give up their own right to decide what is right or wrong.

    If there is someone that can´t accept that, then dont play. It is simple as that. Usually the terms will be something like this "we reserve the right to terminate the account without any refunds if a violation has occured with the account", and a violation will ofcourse be all media involved with the game regardless if it is the game itself or forum.

    Simple as that.

    It's called free speech. unless you wanted to end up like china where nobel prize winner or any opposition get house arrest for talking their mind. 

     

  • DistopiaDistopia Member EpicPosts: 21,183

    Originally posted by channel84

     

    It's called free speech. unless you wanted to end up like china where nobel prize winner or any opposition get house arrest for talking their mind. 

     

    Free speech does not exist on gaming forums, the only freedoms go to the companies to run their services how they like.

    For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson


Sign In or Register to comment.