Apparently the internet police are in full force for people who want to talk out of turn. According to EA forum user 'eeapoc' -- allegedly, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 community manager Aaron Kaufman -- EA forum users who are hit with a banhammer for acting out could see themselves locked out of their own library of purchased EA titles.
As stated in the post, EA is implementing a new regulation that forum users must tie their message board account with their EA master account, created during the EA game registration process. A ban of the forum account would then ban players from games tied into their master account and other EA titles. Presumably the ban would restrict online capabilities of a master account's purchased games, only.
"If we ban you on the forums, you would be banned from the game as well since the login process is the same. And you'd actually be banned from your other EA games as well since its all tied to your account," the post from user 'eeapoc' told forum goers. "So if you have Spore and Red Alert 3 and you get yourself banned on our forums or in-game, well, your Spore account would be banned to. It's all one in the same, so I strongly recommend people play nice and act mature."
Two things to note, this process only seems to pointed at PC users but EA does run their own servers over Xbox Live and, as Kotaku reported, neither EA's Terms Of Use page or the general Forum Help information list any criteria for behavior that may get you banned, so it may be a moderator's own judgment call.
Well EA, Orwell called. He wants his totalitarian society back, please.
Reader Comments (78)
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:05PM Hotaru99 said
I can smell a lawsuit brewing already.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:11PM (Unverified) said
Hey, if you're dumb enough to be a dick on their official forums, then I say you deserve to be banned from playing their games too.
Personally anything that means running into less assholes on Xbox Live sounds good to me.
Personally anything that means running into less assholes on Xbox Live sounds good to me.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:21PM arnavdesai said
I hope you are being sarcastic there Neuromancer. While I hate the kids on Xbox Live as much as the next guy, banning someone from playing a game he BOUGHT is just fucking retarded.
Also, you dont necessarily have to be a dickhead to get the ban hammer. I have seen people being banned on forums for just questoning the authority(i.e. the moderator) .
This is getting fucking crazy. Are they fucking serious about this? I wish someone does sue their ass over this.
Words fail me tbh , the picture is really appropriate cause who is to say on what basis people get banned? It's after all the mods (who can be dicks themselves) choice. I really think EA takes one step forward with being more friendly with their community and then then fucks them 10 times over (with SecurROM and now this!! )
Reply
Also, you dont necessarily have to be a dickhead to get the ban hammer. I have seen people being banned on forums for just questoning the authority(i.e. the moderator) .
This is getting fucking crazy. Are they fucking serious about this? I wish someone does sue their ass over this.
Words fail me tbh , the picture is really appropriate cause who is to say on what basis people get banned? It's after all the mods (who can be dicks themselves) choice. I really think EA takes one step forward with being more friendly with their community and then then fucks them 10 times over (with SecurROM and now this!! )
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 6:49PM (Unverified) said
Brother Arnie speaks the truth.
"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear. "-Thomas Jefferson
Since when did questioning authority become unpatriotic?
The good 'ol U.S.of A. has lost it way, in resent years. I'm all for banning a-holes, but this action from E.A. is too much.
Altman, be praised.
Reply
"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear. "-Thomas Jefferson
Since when did questioning authority become unpatriotic?
The good 'ol U.S.of A. has lost it way, in resent years. I'm all for banning a-holes, but this action from E.A. is too much.
Altman, be praised.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 7:32PM (Unverified) said
Altman be praised!
I'm ready to make the journey to eternal life after death- how about you Edog?
Join me.
Reply
I'm ready to make the journey to eternal life after death- how about you Edog?
Join me.
Posted: Oct 31st 2008 12:42AM BananaBoat said
If this is true, the EA forums community (if there is one, I've never been) will collapse. Who is going to take the chance of being banned from ALL of their games because of one douchebag mod that got his panties in a knot and decided to be an asshole. It's just not going to happen.
Then again, EA is known for doing stupid things that hurt their bottom line, so we shall see.
Reply
Then again, EA is known for doing stupid things that hurt their bottom line, so we shall see.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:13PM ziggen said
Like i always say EA SUCKS ASS !! Besides EA games suck.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:06PM (Unverified) said
ziggen, sure games can be broken down like that.
Any FPS is essentially 'aim reticule, pull trigger thousands of times'
It is if that action is fun that makes the game or not, and in the case of mirrors edge, it certainly looks that it might be fun :)
Reply
Any FPS is essentially 'aim reticule, pull trigger thousands of times'
It is if that action is fun that makes the game or not, and in the case of mirrors edge, it certainly looks that it might be fun :)
Posted: Oct 31st 2008 1:39AM (Unverified) said
actually playing the game and not pulling flamebait out of your ass would help
Reply
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:20PM un4gvn94538 said
signed up just for this bit of news. im glad to hear someone is going to take control. lack of maturity of gamers is the main reason why i dont like to play online. if people cant conduct themsleves in a public forum with respect to others (dont people expect respect from others?) then they should be banned. esample: comment #4 above. nothing to contribute but garbage.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:30PM arnavdesai said
I am sorry I fail to see the connection between the FORUMS and playing your game, sure ban the account on the forums, stop him from posting again but stopping from playing the game is crazy!!
I am sorry, what am I paying the 60$ of my hard earned money for?? This system is ripe for abuse of power & I have no doubt they will. This is stupid and someone sensible out there has to put a stop to this.
Who's morality are we then going by? You pay the money to agree by their rules??
I seriously think democratic principles are been taken for granted in this country the cornerstone of which is the right to free speech.
Reply
I am sorry, what am I paying the 60$ of my hard earned money for?? This system is ripe for abuse of power & I have no doubt they will. This is stupid and someone sensible out there has to put a stop to this.
Who's morality are we then going by? You pay the money to agree by their rules??
I seriously think democratic principles are been taken for granted in this country the cornerstone of which is the right to free speech.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 7:29PM AoE said
@Arnie...
Wow... really? phew okay let's see here.. first of all:
"You pay the money to agree by their rules??"
Yes actually, you do. EVERY bit of software you've ever purchased comes complete with it's own EULA (End User License Agreement) with most software these days opening the package constitutes acceptance of the EULA. So yes, yes you do pay money to agree to play by their rules.
"I seriously think democratic principles are been taken for granted in this country the cornerstone of which is the right to free speech."
This is not an issue of freedom of speech though because EA is not a government institution. They're a for-profit corporation, in their own ecosphere, which includes thier servers, they get to make the rules. Please don't think that freedom of speech means you get to say whatever you want wherever you want, because it doesn't. Go re-read the first amendment if you doubt this.
Reply
Wow... really? phew okay let's see here.. first of all:
"You pay the money to agree by their rules??"
Yes actually, you do. EVERY bit of software you've ever purchased comes complete with it's own EULA (End User License Agreement) with most software these days opening the package constitutes acceptance of the EULA. So yes, yes you do pay money to agree to play by their rules.
"I seriously think democratic principles are been taken for granted in this country the cornerstone of which is the right to free speech."
This is not an issue of freedom of speech though because EA is not a government institution. They're a for-profit corporation, in their own ecosphere, which includes thier servers, they get to make the rules. Please don't think that freedom of speech means you get to say whatever you want wherever you want, because it doesn't. Go re-read the first amendment if you doubt this.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:57PM andsoitgoes said
Bull.
Who gives EA mods the right to make a decison on something that could be SO objective?
I'm sure there are the extreme cases. However, where is the line drawn?
I understand that they need to prevent against piracy. I appreciate that my brother-in-law is a producer there... HOWEVER, I don't care. This is stupid.
The fact that they have control of the banhammer? No thank you. The only thing that's going to do is reduce participation, it's going to make everyone afraid of saying anything or speaking their mind.
Again, stupid people make the world go to the crapper, but this is going way, way, WAY too far.
And if you get banned from the forums - fine, but to ban someone from even playing the game?
I swear, I'd tell everyone at EA to go suck an egg, but seeing as Bioware is a part of their franchise now, stupid Bioware, I don't really have any choice? I have to make nice nice and shut up if I participate on their forum, which I'll never do now.
Grr.
Reply
Who gives EA mods the right to make a decison on something that could be SO objective?
I'm sure there are the extreme cases. However, where is the line drawn?
I understand that they need to prevent against piracy. I appreciate that my brother-in-law is a producer there... HOWEVER, I don't care. This is stupid.
The fact that they have control of the banhammer? No thank you. The only thing that's going to do is reduce participation, it's going to make everyone afraid of saying anything or speaking their mind.
Again, stupid people make the world go to the crapper, but this is going way, way, WAY too far.
And if you get banned from the forums - fine, but to ban someone from even playing the game?
I swear, I'd tell everyone at EA to go suck an egg, but seeing as Bioware is a part of their franchise now, stupid Bioware, I don't really have any choice? I have to make nice nice and shut up if I participate on their forum, which I'll never do now.
Grr.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 9:02PM andsoitgoes said
@AoE
Banning from online and banning ENTIRELY from game?
2 very different things. I still don't agree with online banning, but to ban someone completely from ever using an EA game? That's okay?
I know "Freedom of speach" is different in this situation, but the only thing EA is doing, with this and their stupid piracy policy, is making people dislike them more. Do they really think it's going to get them to earn more money?
forget it - I realize the only reason I'm typing this is for my own good. Anyone who believes this way will agree with it, anyone who doesn't will argue against it.
This isn't going to change anyone's mind, just like having a debate about political candidates in October is far from likely to change camps...
Reply
Banning from online and banning ENTIRELY from game?
2 very different things. I still don't agree with online banning, but to ban someone completely from ever using an EA game? That's okay?
I know "Freedom of speach" is different in this situation, but the only thing EA is doing, with this and their stupid piracy policy, is making people dislike them more. Do they really think it's going to get them to earn more money?
forget it - I realize the only reason I'm typing this is for my own good. Anyone who believes this way will agree with it, anyone who doesn't will argue against it.
This isn't going to change anyone's mind, just like having a debate about political candidates in October is far from likely to change camps...
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 9:44PM AoE said
@Nick,
Who said they were going to ban people from the games entirely? I mean granted that post was written by a forum mod, so it's not precise legalese... but based on the fact that he refers to logins, it sounds like it would be an online/server-access only ban... what leads you to believe it's more than that?
Also, please note I never said it was a smart business move... just something that they're within their legal rights to do ;)
Reply
Who said they were going to ban people from the games entirely? I mean granted that post was written by a forum mod, so it's not precise legalese... but based on the fact that he refers to logins, it sounds like it would be an online/server-access only ban... what leads you to believe it's more than that?
Also, please note I never said it was a smart business move... just something that they're within their legal rights to do ;)
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:21PM Jonman said
Surely this is untenable? Does the $60 you pay for a copy of the game not entitle you to it's use, regardless of whether you're a dick on an internet forum or not?
Or should there be a big sticker on the box saying that it's only for people who aren't dicks?
Or should there be a big sticker on the box saying that it's only for people who aren't dicks?
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 7:42PM AoE said
Jonman,
Maybe you should start reading all those EULA's you agree to without reading them... like the ones you agreed to when you signed onto EA's Xbox Live servers for the first time, the other one for their forums, and the 3rd one for the game you're playing. Don't forget MS has an EULA for the Xbox 360 hardware, as well as a separate one for Xbox Live, and if you're using a passport account with your XBL account, there's another EULA there too!
So basically, when you play an EA game on Xbox Live... you're playing under around 5 (not including the EA forums EULA here) or so separate end user license agreements; breaking any of them is your bad, not EA's or MS's since... you know... you DID agree to them all.
Reply
Maybe you should start reading all those EULA's you agree to without reading them... like the ones you agreed to when you signed onto EA's Xbox Live servers for the first time, the other one for their forums, and the 3rd one for the game you're playing. Don't forget MS has an EULA for the Xbox 360 hardware, as well as a separate one for Xbox Live, and if you're using a passport account with your XBL account, there's another EULA there too!
So basically, when you play an EA game on Xbox Live... you're playing under around 5 (not including the EA forums EULA here) or so separate end user license agreements; breaking any of them is your bad, not EA's or MS's since... you know... you DID agree to them all.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:10PM Jonman said
So the EULA I agree to when signing up to EA's forums applies to their retail products too?
And let's be honest, expecting anyone other than a tiny, tiny minority to read EULAs is naive at best.
Maybe it's EA's legal department who should stop being dicks?
Reply
And let's be honest, expecting anyone other than a tiny, tiny minority to read EULAs is naive at best.
Maybe it's EA's legal department who should stop being dicks?
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:46PM AoE said
@Jonman,
Did you miss this bit in my last comment:
"(not including the EA forums EULA here)"
Because what I meant by that, specifically, is that their Forum EULA doesn't apply, directly at least, to your online gaming. However, obviously since all your accounts are tied together in EA-land now, bad behavior/violation of the ToS for the forums can get you banned from EA's servers in general.
As for reading EULAs? Dude, yes please, let's be honest. When you agree to something that you didn't read, that's your bad, not EAs. Sure they're excessively wordy and written in legalese... but also I would hope you've at some point encountered another contract somewhere in your life? Remember how that one was super wordy and full of legalese too? It's naivete on the part of people who don't read contracts they agree to, not the other way around.
And no, large companies aren't being dicks by writing something so carefully worded that they clearly spell out and cover every potential legal problem that could potentially bite them in the ass, that's called being wise.
Reply
Did you miss this bit in my last comment:
"(not including the EA forums EULA here)"
Because what I meant by that, specifically, is that their Forum EULA doesn't apply, directly at least, to your online gaming. However, obviously since all your accounts are tied together in EA-land now, bad behavior/violation of the ToS for the forums can get you banned from EA's servers in general.
As for reading EULAs? Dude, yes please, let's be honest. When you agree to something that you didn't read, that's your bad, not EAs. Sure they're excessively wordy and written in legalese... but also I would hope you've at some point encountered another contract somewhere in your life? Remember how that one was super wordy and full of legalese too? It's naivete on the part of people who don't read contracts they agree to, not the other way around.
And no, large companies aren't being dicks by writing something so carefully worded that they clearly spell out and cover every potential legal problem that could potentially bite them in the ass, that's called being wise.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:23PM Cube said
To be fair, it's likely just a side effect of them merging the forum with the EA profiles and they can't be bothered (they've not really got a reason to) to sort it out.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:40PM anoffday said
Yet another way EA is ruining the gaming industry.
As if mods of message boards weren't already stupid enough, let's let them decide for us whether or not we can play the games we bought! Great idea EA!
As if mods of message boards weren't already stupid enough, let's let them decide for us whether or not we can play the games we bought! Great idea EA!
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:44PM Shogan said
The message is clear. Don't visit the EA Forums.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 5:48PM ihateemo said
EA are entitled to ban whoever they want, so long as that ban relates to playing the game on their servers only and doesn't lock out the title for offline play.
People do not have the "right" to play their games online and, honestly, I applaud the banning of more idiots from doing so.
People do not have the "right" to play their games online and, honestly, I applaud the banning of more idiots from doing so.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 6:09PM (Unverified) said
I just ordered Red Alert 3 off amazon...maybe I should cancel it.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 6:26PM MrMuggs said
They aren't banning people from playing the game they bought. EA is banning them from playing the game they bought on the EA owned online servers. Big difference.
I think EA has every right to do this. If you want to go on their forums and be an asshole and get banned then you shouldn't be allowed to go online and play on their servers.
I think EA has every right to do this. If you want to go on their forums and be an asshole and get banned then you shouldn't be allowed to go online and play on their servers.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 6:38PM (Unverified) said
I say everyone stops buying games made by EA because the is ridiculous. If I use my hard earned cash to buy a game to play online I better darn well be able to play online. That is total crap.
Even though this breaks my hart, if this is true then I vow to NEVER PLAY ANOTHER EA GAME AGAIN.
Even though this breaks my hart, if this is true then I vow to NEVER PLAY ANOTHER EA GAME AGAIN.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 6:46PM Dragsy said
You're all operating under the assumption that any old mod would have this newfound almighty banning power. I seriously doubt that, it's going to be someone actually employed at EA, who works in their offices, someone visible. I know the EA forums are full of fucksticks, and that generally includes a lot of the moderators, but I can't believe a company as big as EA wouldn't have the foresight to ridigidly control something that could have legal consequences if misused.
Secondly, don't be a bunch of fucking douchebags on the forum and there won't be a problem. The anonymity granted by being online gives a lot of people way too much bravado and they'll post offensive, expletive-riddled tirades because they know they're not going to be reprimanded like they would if they yelled abuse at someone in the street. An action like this forces people to take responsibilty for their actions and maybe - hopefully - think twice about being douchebags online.
Secondly, don't be a bunch of fucking douchebags on the forum and there won't be a problem. The anonymity granted by being online gives a lot of people way too much bravado and they'll post offensive, expletive-riddled tirades because they know they're not going to be reprimanded like they would if they yelled abuse at someone in the street. An action like this forces people to take responsibilty for their actions and maybe - hopefully - think twice about being douchebags online.
Posted: Oct 31st 2008 10:15AM arnavdesai said
I am sorry I disagree, anything done in the forums has got absolutely nothing to do with playing online.
Also, if you think that's Ok just because they said they would do it, then you will be in rude shock.
Here's a completely plausible scenario for you, say you get pissed at something not working in the game, you mention that on the forums, people agree to it & I have seen forum threads been closed, then naturally you get pissed and open another thread asking why the other one was closed, you know what will happen-- you get banned for questioning authority.
I dont know how you can be fine with that.
Reply
Also, if you think that's Ok just because they said they would do it, then you will be in rude shock.
Here's a completely plausible scenario for you, say you get pissed at something not working in the game, you mention that on the forums, people agree to it & I have seen forum threads been closed, then naturally you get pissed and open another thread asking why the other one was closed, you know what will happen-- you get banned for questioning authority.
I dont know how you can be fine with that.
Posted: Oct 31st 2008 3:58PM Dragsy said
As I said though, I doubt that'd be the case that any old trigger-happy mod would be given such an ability, it'd only be sensible (and I'm only agreeing with it) if each case was properly looked into. Are you really that fucking stupid to keep opening topics asking why previous ones were closed - which is only going to raise ire at the end of the day? If you don't know why something has been closed, you PM the moderator, that's common protocol on any forum.
Again, I'm not advocating such measures if they're just going to let any kid who's playing at moderator ban whoever he likes without stringent rules in place (i.e. requiring evidence, and/or at least two or three people agreeing to the action etc.)
Reply
Again, I'm not advocating such measures if they're just going to let any kid who's playing at moderator ban whoever he likes without stringent rules in place (i.e. requiring evidence, and/or at least two or three people agreeing to the action etc.)
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 6:49PM Im No Hero said
What a disgrace to the gaming industry. This is completely unacceptable.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 7:29PM horngreen said
Couple this with the recent financial losses and layoff at EA and I don't see their situation improving. I'm no fan of their rehashed sequels and lackluster IPs and this doesn't help either.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:09PM annoynimous said
You guys still buy EA games?!? eeewwwww
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:13PM Jonman said
Indeed. However, what this is doing is tying the EULA on their forums to the EULA on the game. My behaviour in one free space should not impact on my ability to engage in a seperate, paid space from the same product.
It's like having your driving license revoked if you don't compost your vegetable trimmings. There's simply no reasonable linkage between the two.
It's like having your driving license revoked if you don't compost your vegetable trimmings. There's simply no reasonable linkage between the two.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:34PM MagusPSU said
I applaud EA for taking some kind of measure to ensure accountability for people's actions not just in game but on their forums. I can understand questioning just who is making the decisions though and hopefully there will be accountability in the other direction as well.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:32PM (Unverified) said
If I ever saw a reason to getting lawyers all hot and heavy there it is.
I'm all for EA doing whatever it cares on their forums. Ban don't ban, not a problem. But banning you from playing on something you have exchanged cash for. NOPE!!!
Lawsuit.... EULA's are viable only in cases when it is reasonable... if EA puts in their EULA's somewhere in the fine print that they will personally come over and kick your ass if you cheat or whatever and you say yes to the EULA .... doesn't really mean they can do that. Yes my example is extreme but effective in proving my arguement. EULA's are effective as long as they are logical and practical.
I hate asses on the forums and xbox live but taking away there right to play there purchased games because of it is untenable.
I'm all for EA doing whatever it cares on their forums. Ban don't ban, not a problem. But banning you from playing on something you have exchanged cash for. NOPE!!!
Lawsuit.... EULA's are viable only in cases when it is reasonable... if EA puts in their EULA's somewhere in the fine print that they will personally come over and kick your ass if you cheat or whatever and you say yes to the EULA .... doesn't really mean they can do that. Yes my example is extreme but effective in proving my arguement. EULA's are effective as long as they are logical and practical.
I hate asses on the forums and xbox live but taking away there right to play there purchased games because of it is untenable.
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:52PM AoE said
@Dadidito,
Right, but what they're taking away isn't the game or the ability to play it... it's access to their servers, which they are FULLY within their rights to do.
Also... yes EULAs can be difficult to enforce... provided the person they're trying to enforce it against can afford a good lawyer. How many gamers do you think can afford a lawyer as good as EA's? How many gamers do you think have lawyers on retainer?
Reply
Right, but what they're taking away isn't the game or the ability to play it... it's access to their servers, which they are FULLY within their rights to do.
Also... yes EULAs can be difficult to enforce... provided the person they're trying to enforce it against can afford a good lawyer. How many gamers do you think can afford a lawyer as good as EA's? How many gamers do you think have lawyers on retainer?
Posted: Oct 30th 2008 8:48PM (Unverified) said
EA servers SUCK!! They let some games (new releases) get crappy bandwidth causing the servers to not work.
Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath seems to have a maximum lobby of about 500 people. Servers have been in-and-out for weeks until enough people give up and sell their game.
It could have been a good large pool of people to play against but EA's BREACH OF CONTRACT ruined that. No acknowledgment or apology from EA.
I will NOT be buying Red Alert 3 out of anger and full expectation that the same thing will happen again.
Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath seems to have a maximum lobby of about 500 people. Servers have been in-and-out for weeks until enough people give up and sell their game.
It could have been a good large pool of people to play against but EA's BREACH OF CONTRACT ruined that. No acknowledgment or apology from EA.
I will NOT be buying Red Alert 3 out of anger and full expectation that the same thing will happen again.
Featured Stories
Super Joystiq Podcast 004: 38 Studios meltdown, Gravity Rush, Civilization 5: Gods & Kings, Dragon's Dogma
Posted on May 25th 2012 3:30PM







