Microsoft bans about 1 million Xbox Live users

Posted by Mister-X on November 12th, 2009 at 04:03am

Microsoft believes that between 600 000 and 1 million Xbox Live users will be cut off from the service because they have modified game consoles or played illegally downloaded games from file-sharing sites.

In a statement given on Wednesday Microsoft said, “All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and that modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live.”

This statement comes hot on the heels of the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 this week, which promises large sales but also illegal pirating of the game. Microsoft is taking piracy seriously, and with over 20 million Xbox Live players worldwide why shouldn’t they.

However, those that stay on the straight and narrow have nothing to fear from Microsoft: “We can assure you that if an Xbox Live member follows the Xbox Live terms of use, purchased a retail copy of ‘Modern Warfare 2’ and played the game on an unmodified Xbox 360, no action will be taken.”

For more information about what is and isn’t allowed, check out the Xbox Live Terms of Use agreement.

Source: Msnbc.com