Why Did I Get Banned - The Official Thread

> > > > > Where is the policy on this? Where are the answers? All I have found are guesses to why I and others have been banned.
> > > > >
> > > > > My wife has to lay out every detail for her business to prevent a potential lawsuit. Why not 343? I’ll back anyone who wants to take legal action. Banning inexperienced players is absolutely ridiculous.
> > > > >
> > > > > It seems to me that cheaters are the minority of those who are banned, and bad players are the ones being punished. Most of us didn’t even know what was considered cheating when we starting playing MM for fun. Someone please look at my gaming history and give me some answers. GT: NUTHNbutaPEANUT
> > > > >
> > > > > Otherwise, give me the contact info for 343i. I’ve got the resources to take them on.
> > > >
> > > > When you buy the game and use the software, you are agreeing to rules and regulations regarding the use of that software, rules that can change at anytime without notification. As such, it is the responsibility of each player to inform his or her -self of these rules, all of which are available online, and even in game.
> > > >
> > > > If you were banned, while there is a chance that you are innocent, it is highly likely you did something to deserve the ban. The system doesn’t punish for a single offense, but for multiple offenses over set periods of time.
> > >
> > > A chance!!! Really a chance!!! Look at my facebook. Jared Price Wood. Louisville Kentucky. I’m not a kid, and I have a real wife and life outside of Halo. My fault is that I let my wife play multiple games in which she got no kills. Check out my game history. Where are these rules? Give me a link. They don’t come with the game. Microsoft support couldn’t provide me with any today. 343i has no links.
> > >
> > > The facts are that everyone in my family plays the game. We all suck, but it is fun. My son likes the new armor and rankings for whatever reason. We pay for the account, the games, and the maps.
> > >
> > > I would be fired from my job if I flunked a student for cheating without explanation. Despite how insignificant Halo actually is, punishing paying customers who are bad players is wrong any way you spin it.
> >
> > http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?link=H3Bans
> > It’s a little old but the content is still relevant.
> >
> > To start, I never doubted who you where or the legitimacy of any of your claims in relation to your real world identity, I merely addressed the issue of bans. Again, if you were banned, you or someone else in your house did something to deserve said ban. The system build a digital case over time, based on several factors, and only bans when it determines you have broken the rules enough in a set period of time.
> >
> > Again, during the search screen, they do inform you of the rules of the game. Even still, they are in now way required to. You bought the software, but must abide by their rules. Again, these rules do not have to be stated, and it is the responsibility of each player to play by the rules of the game.
> >
> > The banhammer system is by no means perfect, but it’s rarely inaccurate. For 343 (and formerly Bungie), they do not have the resources to look through every case of possible cheating, AFKing, or other bannable offenses, and must leave it to the automated system. From a business standpoint, it is better to risk complaints from a small number of customs with undeserved bans than to risk the outrage of the large consumer base due to several players ruining matches or cheating.
>
> Which of those rules did I break (just read them)? You tell me, because I don’t know. When she was getting zero kills, I was getting four. Not exactly what I call compiling up the points. And yes, they do have to explain this type of thing. Terminology like ‘deserve’ and ‘cheating’ would be explained in great detail in court. My wife has developed countless contracts for her business, and my most of my family works in the Judicial System.
>
> Yes, it is flawed. Why not kick someone off instead of ban. The algorithm seems to be worthless and I wish they would make it public. What worries me is getting the console and Halo Live account banned for good and not knowing why because what constitutes as cheating isn’t defined, and neither are the punishments. For all I know, they could ban Netflix, I-Hart radio, and all our other online services.
>
> The proof of who I am is for the thousand people who hate the family excuse and whom will read this. It isn’t an excuse and it isn’t cheating. People play games and have families.
>
> I think I’m venting from reading forums all day that are useless.

Not going to get involved with this a lot so don’t expect a reply from me, I’m aiming to just inform people the reasons behind their ban and how long it will last for from now, but:

> Either way, there will be no response communication from this process.

That is a quote from the Bans information on Bungie’s site, regardless if it is false, it will not be lifted.

So a quick recap:

We’ve still not received a link to or citations from Terms of Use or User Agreement, anyone coming to the defense of the banning system simply cites how the software is ‘supposed’ to work, and more people are coming forth with claims of being banned undeservedly. It’s becoming more and more clear that 343i made their original post so harsh and absolute to silence or intimidate those of us who were banned unfairly. They assure us the software is a hair away from perfect and yet this thread is full of seemingly legitimate claims of unfairness.

Now being a working adult, I don’t have time to stay on the forums all day. But rest assured, once I get a break I will be contacting 343i, Microsoft, and whoever else is in charge to, at the very least, get some answers as to what they are doing to improve the software, why there is NOT an appeal system in place, and what they are doing to right the wrongs they have so blatantly and nonchalantly committed.

Here is the dispute procedure for Xbox Live from the Microsoft website:

18.1.2. INFORMAL NEGOTIATION OF DISPUTES. You and Microsoft agree to attempt in good faith to resolve any Dispute before commencing arbitration. Unless you and Microsoft otherwise agree in writing, the time for informal negotiation will be 60 days from the date on which you or Microsoft mails a notice of the Dispute (“Notice of Dispute”) as specified in Section 18.1.3. You and Microsoft agree that neither will commence arbitration before the end of the time for informal negotiation.

18.1.3. NOTICE OF DISPUTE. If you give a Notice of Dispute to Microsoft, you must send by U.S. Mail to Microsoft Corporation, ATTN: LCA ARBITRATION, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, a written statement setting forth (a) your name, address, and contact information, (b) your Windows Live ID or gamertag, if you have one, (c) the facts giving rise to the Dispute, and (d) the relief you seek. A form is available at www.xbox.com/notice. If Microsoft gives a Notice of Dispute to you, we will send by U.S. Mail to your billing address if we have it, or otherwise to your e-mail address, a written statement setting forth (a) Microsoft’s contact information for purposes of efforts to resolve the Dispute, (b) the facts giving rise to the Dispute, and (c) the relief Microsoft seeks.

If you are like me and were wrongfully banned, I suggest you take the time to send Microsoft a nice little note. I’m sure they’d love to hear from us.

I have a pretty easy question. I would like to know why i am banned, and how long it will last. Im not sure what was done wrong, I joined someones firefight game and noticed that they were not playing. They did have a second controller logged in and my brother was playing with me. so i decided to take advantage of the situation. after about one or two games i was kicked out and given a ban notice, so if that could be explained it would also be appreciated. If you could please respond quickly I would appreciate it. I have a sickness that limits me to being stuck in a bed all day. Looking forward to playing halo again. Thank you.

My gamertag is: Watchinyurbak

> I have a pretty easy question. I would like to know why i am banned, and how long it will last. Im not sure what was done wrong, I joined someones firefight game and noticed that they were not playing. They did have a second controller logged in and my brother was playing with me. so i decided to take advantage of the situation. after about one or two games i was kicked out and given a ban notice, so if that could be explained it would also be appreciated. If you could please respond quickly I would appreciate it. I have a sickness that limits me to being stuck in a bed all day. Looking forward to playing halo again. Thank you.
>
> My gamertag is: Watchinyurbak

You were AFK, along with the 3 others in the game as seen here: AFK Game.

If it is a first time offence, it will last from 24-48 hours.

For more information regarding bans, please read more information here: Reach & H3 Bans.

> So a quick recap:
>
> We’ve still not received a link to or citations from Terms of Use or User Agreement, anyone coming to the defense of the banning system simply cites how the software is ‘supposed’ to work, and more people are coming forth with claims of being banned undeservedly. It’s becoming more and more clear that 343i made their original post so harsh and absolute to silence or intimidate those of us who were banned unfairly. They assure us the software is a hair away from perfect and yet this thread is full of seemingly legitimate claims of unfairness.
>
> Now being a working adult, I don’t have time to stay on the forums all day. But rest assured, once I get a break I will be contacting 343i, Microsoft, and whoever else is in charge to, at the very least, get some answers as to what they are doing to improve the software, why there is NOT an appeal system in place, and what they are doing to right the wrongs they have so blatantly and nonchalantly committed.

Microsoft won’t own up to 343i, so I doubt they would honor this document. Support cut off my chat today and they deleted my forum on their site stating that it had to be directed to this forum. I still haven’t found a definition of cheating or received an answer to why I was banned. Everyone points me to this forum but no one is an expert on here.

There company isn’t invisible. Someone must know how to reach their office in Kirkland.

personaly I would love to talk to 343 if anyone knows how . i have several friends that gave up on xbox an went to another system to play online (one thats free online)because they were baned an couldnt find out why and i had trouble finding out about this forum when i was baned awhile back , i am still trying to find how to contact 343 months later. We pay for this service playing online and if we bring a friend in that doesnt play well they get banned thus banning us, wheres the encouragement to get people to play ? we pay for the privelege to play an can be baned without notice or being informed of what we did wrong …wheres the encouragement to continue paying for the service ? and we have no way to contact 343 to apeal the money we spend on systems and games AND on the ability to play online is money that many people ai know are spending on different systems that dont charge for online gameplay that you cant use if your baned

> > So a quick recap:
> >
> > We’ve still not received a link to or citations from Terms of Use or User Agreement, anyone coming to the defense of the banning system simply cites how the software is ‘supposed’ to work, and more people are coming forth with claims of being banned undeservedly. It’s becoming more and more clear that 343i made their original post so harsh and absolute to silence or intimidate those of us who were banned unfairly. They assure us the software is a hair away from perfect and yet this thread is full of seemingly legitimate claims of unfairness.
> >
> > Now being a working adult, I don’t have time to stay on the forums all day. But rest assured, once I get a break I will be contacting 343i, Microsoft, and whoever else is in charge to, at the very least, get some answers as to what they are doing to improve the software, why there is NOT an appeal system in place, and what they are doing to right the wrongs they have so blatantly and nonchalantly committed.
>
> Microsoft won’t own up to 343i, so I doubt they would honor this document. Support cut off my chat today and they deleted my forum on their site stating that it had to be directed to this forum. I still haven’t found a definition of cheating or received an answer to why I was banned. Everyone points me to this forum but no one is an expert on here.
>
> There company isn’t invisible. Someone must know how to reach their office in Kirkland.

Regardless of whether they honor it or not, I will find out how to contact those in charge of the banning software and procedures. I imagine their info isn’t listed in plain sight to avoid receiving angry letters from people who were wrongfully banned. It’s clear that not much progress can be made in these forums.

Since I am in Texas, it will take a while for my letter to get to Microsoft and back again, but rest assured, I will post progress updates and any pertinent information that will be beneficial to all of us who want a little justice of our own.

if you call (425) 882-8080 thats the microsoft corpraite number an press 0 for the operaitor tell her you want to file a complaint she will take your information an give you wehelp@microsoft.com telling you to contact them send them a message fileing a complaint an if you dont hear back from them in 3-4 days to call her back so she can contact them directly for you i am posting this to try to help people wrongfully baned if enough people file complaints then microsoft will have to talk to 343 for us and get some changes made. we pay good money for a service that can punish us without warning wither we are in the wrong or not the ban hammer is not an omnipotent being it can an shuld be held accountable for wrongfull bans an i encourage everyone to contact the above listed an persue some changes being made

To the above, this is a topic of telling users why they were banned, nothing else, if you are feeling like you want to complain to Microsoft about something related to 343 Industires, please don’t discuss it here, it is not the correct place.

I want to know how long I’m still banned and I’m time Tuesday banned in Halo Reach. It says (The Xbox 360 console was speared Temporarily for earning credits.) And (This account has been temporarily speared for earning credits.) How long must I wait 1 week or 1 Year.

> To the above, this is a topic of telling users why they were banned, nothing else, if you are feeling like you want to complain to Microsoft about something related to 343 Industires, please don’t discuss it here, it is not the correct place.

Then you need to tell Microsoft support to stop referring us to this forum.

Friday Morning while playing with a party of 5-6 friends I let my daughter play a few games on my profile and I logged into her mothers, It was all in good food as my friends thought my daughter was cute and being split screen she was on my team everytime and I was playing well enough to cover her. But saturday after we received a message saying our console was temporarily banned from earning credits. We continued to play and it lifted for a few games that afternoon but then rebanned the concole. We were banned again on Sunday and continue to be banned today. If possible I’d like this banned reversed but the most frustrating part is this happened as my girlfriend reached her weekly challenged and was therefore robbed of her 30k credits when we had done nothing incorrect. Thank anyone for any help on this.

> > To the above, this is a topic of telling users why they were banned, nothing else, if you are feeling like you want to complain to Microsoft about something related to 343 Industires, please don’t discuss it here, it is not the correct place.
>
> Then you need to tell Microsoft support to stop referring us to this forum.

I just noticed this post. I started with Xbox live who referred to bungie who’s forums sent me back to xbox live who finally said they couldn’t do anything but it would be temporary. After a third day of this I contacted xbox live again and the tech, using Live’s forums directed my to this forum saying only 343 could fix the issue. If I am receiving an AFK it could have only been from those few games my daughter joined me Friday night sunday morning, Only her mother/unle and I have played since then.

to little moa i just was telling people where to go i agree this is a forum to discus why you were banned if you want to complain call microsoft at (425)882-8080 an press 0 tell the operator you want to file a complaint and she will get you to the proper place for that . this forum isnt for complaints the above number is for complaints and APEALS to your ban

After multiple attempts to get answers from this site and Microsoft support, Microsoft support finally gave me the following number as a contact for 343i: 858-678-5070.

I believe it is a number to the Fish and Richardson Law Firm which I assume represents 343i. See the link: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=77780696

I plan to begin pursuing them until I get my next lead or find who to direct disputes to.

So, for the 2nd time, I’ve been cR banned for having terrible guests. The first time was 24 hours. How long is my 2nd?

And, is this 343’s way of saying, “no! don’t let your friends play Reach with you! Make them buy their own!”?

> > To the above, this is a topic of telling users why they were banned, nothing else, if you are feeling like you want to complain to Microsoft about something related to 343 Industires, please don’t discuss it here, it is not the correct place.
>
> Then you need to tell Microsoft support to stop referring us to this forum.

Microsoft support are hopeless when it comes to situations like this, they refer you to this topic to look into your bans, not your personal goal to dispute it which should be done behind the scenes, not here, that is not the point in this topic.

> After multiple attempts to get answers from this site and Microsoft support, Microsoft support finally gave me the following number as a contact for 343i: 858-678-5070.
>
> I believe it is a number to the Fish and Richardson Law Firm which I assume represents 343i. See the link: http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=77780696
>
> I plan to begin pursuing them until I get my next lead or find who to direct disputes to.

Keep us posted. Hopefully you hear something before I do.

> So, for the 2nd time, I’ve been cR banned for having terrible guests. The first time was 24 hours. How long is my 2nd?
>
> And, is this 343’s way of saying, “no! don’t let your friends play Reach with you! Make them buy their own!”?

Second offences tend to last for 1-2 weeks.