Microsoft to Delete "Dummy" Xbox Live Accounts?

[fitbabits]

It had to happen sooner or later, and it looks like it may well be happening sooner - rumor has it that Microsoft is getting ready to delete the many "dummy" Xbox Live accounts which have been set up by people in an effort to download content which is not available in their particular part of the world.

More here (http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=25184576&part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6162376), courtesy of Game Spot (http://www.gamespot.com).

It didn't take gamers long to figure out they didn't have to live in a certain country to get access to that country's content. Xbox Live users could simply set up a dummy Xbox Live account, put in a false address from abroad, and download what regional agreements said they couldn't.

That loophole may not be exploitable for too long. Soon, according to Xbox-Archiv, Microsoft will begin policing Xbox Live accounts and deleting "dummy" accounts. The reason stems largely from the recent addition of on-demand video content to Xbox Live and the multitude of regional restrictions movies and televisions have.
I'm not surprised by this, especially with the launch of Xbox Live's Video Marketplace. It's still likely to ruffle a few feathers, though.

[Johan]

They have to do this; if they're going to be able to offer the content, the providers are going to demand some kind of protections and controls.

I'm surprised it was ever allowed or winked at, really.

For that matter, I'm surprised that any company accessing anything over the web wouldn't use IPs in order to control content, access, and such....like when we have people banned here, I'm surprised it's not an IP ban (if that's possible? I'm no techie, so I don't know...)

[GrinR]

A smart man would route traffic through foreign proxies. EZ.

[Atepsflame]

I'm not surprised by this, especially with the launch of Xbox Live's Video Marketplace. It's still likely to ruffle a few feathers, though.

I am infuriated by this! How dare microsoft try to close a loophole in their service?!?! Monopolistic bastards!

[mightbe]

I suspect that my gamertag will be purged as well.

[rein]

How very Sony of them.

[mkelehan]

A smart man would route traffic through foreign proxies. EZ.
Yet just enough of a pain in the ass for me not to do it to get a trailer for a game I'll never buy.

[JimmyDanger]

Inevitable.

Still - was looking like the best way to watch a lot of shows over here (with HD available!) that are far behind US schedules, for a more legitimate way than other options.

Could I see them launching a similar service over here? Episodes of Neighbours & Home and Away? No thanks.

Of interest, the BBC said they weren't interested in jumping on board for a UK/european XBLVM at this stage (Link) (http://www.totalvideogames.com/news/BBC_No_Concrete_Plans_For_Xbox_Live_10978_6321_0.h tm)

- but if different providers in different regions (and you'd assume different pricing structures possibly as well), offered different content - and we could all have multiple dummy accounts - it'd be a free for all.

Oh well.

Can't really fault them for cracking down though - it'd be part of their agreement with the providers - unless the provider allows MS to distribute to all regions, which usually due to regional broadcasters buying regional rights for programming from the content producers/newtorks - would be in breach of their agreements with them.

[TrackZero]

What bothers me is, I don't give a shit, delete my U.S. account. But leave my Japan one alone.

And how is this going to be verified? What if I import a Japanese 360, are they going to still shut down it's account once they see I'm coming from a North American IP? Will I have to tunnel through a proxy in Japan to fool them? What will it take?

[Citizen Philip]

What bothers me is, I don't give a shit, delete my U.S. account. But leave my Japan one alone.

And how is this going to be verified? What if I import a Japanese 360, are they going to still shut down it's account once they see I'm coming from a North American IP? Will I have to tunnel through a proxy in Japan to fool them? What will it take?

You've pprobably given up the right to be annoy-mouse to join Live, and you've given them the right to trace your IP: by which you will be judge-ed.

[Sandman]

What bothers me is, I don't give a shit, delete my U.S. account. But leave my Japan one alone.

And how is this going to be verified? What if I import a Japanese 360, are they going to still shut down it's account once they see I'm coming from a North American IP? Will I have to tunnel through a proxy in Japan to fool them? What will it take?

They probably won't touch the active accounts.....and by active I mean playing full games and doing it frequently. If you've only downloaded a few demos or some marketplace content though, those are what they'll look into.

[Vandabo]

I guess I'll put this up as my second PA reply of the day...

http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2006/20061026.jpg

I guess they are now feeling the penalty for breaking the natural law.

[Deadend]

I am guessing they will be deleting accounts that match a few criteria. Such as being created, immediately downloading an item for free, then maybe playing the item. Nothing else, no gamerpoints, and maybe only on the same xbox as someone from a different region that has much more active account. I guess, not sure what information MS even has.

I hate region locking, it just seems so archaic and based upon a time when there were reasons, and in this day and age, there is no reason besides stupidity and greed.

[J3DI]

No more Nippon content :eek:

No more UK ... ummm what did they get first again? :confused:

[Wolvie]

Good, now they need to focus on the cheaters, modders, and other lamers that rui our good time on XBL.

[tombofsoldier]

Hairs on a Bobbin! I don't get it, I mean who really cares? I never understood why they had region specific content in the first place.

[KamaItachi]

Well this sucks for me, I have points on all my "extra" accounts bar my U.S. one. I don't care if I lose the U.S. account, but my Japanese has at least a few thousand points.

[menage]

This better be a clean procedure, accidental removal of valid accounts is bound to happen.

[Savok]

Thank you MS for continuing to piss on the good will you built in Australia with the first Xbox. We, as always are your loving rape slaves.

[bjornbarspingvinen]

well MS should be more aware and give all countries the same content then. RIght now some countries don´t get much, especially if you count movie-trailers, music and similar.

[ascl]

This really sucks. One of things which very much interested me about Live (no I dont have a 360 yet) was been able to download content. However if its region locked, I can rest assured Australia will get dicked and get fuck all. again.

[Royal Fool]

It's not a huge loss, but still, it's disappointing they're going to do this.

[IRONGUSTAV]

im shocked how comprensive we are with this subject,if the same move were done by sony the same ppl who "understand" what ms is doing here will go nuts

[Savok]

Actually if Sony did it I'd be more understanding. I mean shit, it's Sony, we know they hate Europe and Australia. MS I expect better from.

[Morratut]

This doesn't suprise me at all. One of the reasons I never created another account in a different region.

[Kelegacy]

How very Sony of them.
Heh, yet this topic isn't getting the same sort of rampant hatred it would if Sony WAS doing this.

[fitbabits]

Heh, yet this topic isn't getting the same sort of rampant hatred it would if Sony WAS doing this.
Oh, good googly! Give it a rest, already.

[DeadScreenSky]

Heh, yet this topic isn't getting the same sort of rampant hatred it would if Sony WAS doing this.
Well thankfully MS isn't actually doing this either, at least according to official MS reps (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4953015&postcount=89). I'm not one to pull the silly bias card, but of course the fact that people are spreading negative lies about Xbox might imply things are a little more balanced than some other people pretend.

[imagecreature]

I hate region locking, it just seems so archaic and based upon a time when there were reasons, and in this day and age, there is no reason besides stupidity and greed.

I couldn't agree more. Censuring content based on your geographical location is Bullshit.

[Kelegacy]

Oh, good googly! Give it a rest, already.
You say this and fail to see my view because you are guilty of it as well. Your fence is too high to see into my yard.

EDIT: Don't be frustrated with me. I'm just trying to be devil's advocate. :)

[fitbabits]

You say this and fail to see my view because you are guilty of it as well. Your fence is too high to see into my yard.

EDIT: Don't be frustrated with me. I'm just trying to be devil's advocate. :)
Of course you're right! I mean, why else would I have posted my comment in this thread (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21530). My fence is evidently way too high.

I'm not frustrated with you per se, just the tired notion that the editorial content on EvAv is unbalanced. Besides, I hope to see you on GoW this evening to that I can tap you on the forehead with my chainsaw.

[Royal Fool]

Oh, good googly!

Good googly moogly, that thang is juicy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liAQCXeTl-s

[fitbabits]

Good googly moogly, that thang is juicy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liAQCXeTl-s
I'm speechless...

[Kelegacy]

Of course you're right! I mean, why else would I have posted my comment in this thread (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21530). My fence is evidently way too high.

I'm not frustrated with you per se, just the tired notion that the editorial content on EvAv is unbalanced. Besides, I hope to see you on GoW this evening to that I can tap you on the forehead with my chainsaw.
fitbabits, I wasn't implying the editorial integrity or content was slanted; I was referring to the community itself. Which truly cannot be helped or changed.

[fitbabits]

fitbabits, I wasn't implying the editorial integrity or content was slanted; I was referring to the community itself. Which truly cannot be helped or changed.
Kelegacy, perhaps not, but it's been suggested by you and others in the past and I know for a fact that we reds go to great lengths to be balanced. In any case, it's been fun (as usual). :)

[IRONGUSTAV]

Oh, good googly! Give it a rest, already.

he is right.every move sony does its hammered ( some with a good reason) but when ms does a fuck up (and boythis is a fuck up) whe got the "its normal to do" brigade at full speed

pd

yes i know.you love my excellent english

[fitbabits]

ban me if u want.every move sony does its hammered ( some with a good reason) but when ms does a fuck up (and boythis is a fuck up) whe got the "its normal to do" brigade at full speed

pd

yes i know.you love my excellent english
I happen to think your grasp of English is commendable given that it's not your native tongue. And no, I will not ban you!

What Microsoft is doing here has been expected for a long time (especially by those with the so-called dummy accounts), hence the lack of any sort of major furore.

[IRONGUSTAV]

I happen to think your grasp of English is commendable given that it's not your native tongue. And no, I will not ban you!

What Microsoft is doing here has been expected for a long time (especially by those with the so-called dummy accounts), hence the lack of any sort of major furore.


still is a bad move from ms

[Majster Wichajster]

What keeps bugging me while I'm reading this is: you've got an extra account to download demos, okay. But you also use said account to download shows not available in your region. Now, correct if I'm wrong, but aren't you... I don't know, PAYING for said shows? I thought they WANTED money.

I can understand that working out different form of payments for different regions might be tricky, but restricting content that is in high demand, or any content, just because you happen to be living in a different region? It irks me to no end, because I want to import some DVDs available ONLY in USA and they are region locked. Smart move there.

[fitbabits]

What keeps bugging me while I'm reading this is: you've got an extra account to download demos, okay. But you also use said account to download shows not available in your region. Now, correct if I'm wrong, but aren't you... I don't know, PAYING for said shows? I thought they WANTED money.

I can understand that working out different form of payments for different regions might be tricky, but restricting content that is in high demand, or any content, just because you happen to be living in a different region? It irks me to no end, because I want to import some DVDs available ONLY in USA and they are region locked. Smart move there.
It's not about money (and it's not strictly Microsoft's fault - blame the archaic copyright laws in place) - it's about international copyright law! Microsoft risk getting sued up the ass for allowing their customers to download content from another region in which doing so would be a breach of copyright.

[Majster Wichajster]

I at least now know that it's not really Microsofts' fault. Seriously, can we finally get over that stupid region thingy?

[Savok]

Dickless bunch of pricks, taking it to PAL (because we're the ones that miss out, even on digital content for fuck's sake) once again with their spiked strap-on. To work so hard with the Xbox (which we thanked you for in Australia, having ridiculously high market penetration) and then to go shit on it with fucking shaved apes and concaves (I knew that was a warning sign). I'm sick of this shit, next bullshit move from anyone and I'm having them drink out of their own god damn scrotum, fucking assholes the lot of them.

Happy Kel?

[Sl1pstream]

We all knew this wasn't going to last long. I just hope they don't do anything to the legitimate live accounts on the same box as the fake ones.

[Savok]

I would like to note at this point, all the people who yelled at me for complaining about the Dead Rising demo being very late to Aussie 360s, saying "just make a dummy account!1!".

Suck me.

[CPaladino]

Don't freak - we still haven't spoken to this point yet - it's not going to be the doom-n-gloom that everyone thinks it will...

[Majster Wichajster]

Australia and Europe. It's like we're on a different planet.