Coming right before the release of Modern Warfare 2, Microsoft has banned somewhere near 1 million Xbox 360s from Xbox Live due to being modified consoles according to reports from InformationWeek. Blocking not only these gamer's gamertags, but also their entire console from ever using Xbox Live again.
Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb had warned gamers about the impending bannings around the launch of Halo 3: ODST and it seems like Microsoft has finally brought the hammer down. Perfect timing if I must say so. Surely, those million gamers planned to picked up Modern Warfare 2, and now can't even enjoy the majority of the game. Classic.
"Our commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of our Xbox LIVE community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal, and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs, violates the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE," says Microsoft in an official statement.
Further adding, "The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive from manufacturers, retailers, and the third parties that support them."
Well said, Microsoft. I whole heartedly agree. If you're going to hack your Xbox 360 in order to cheat, or even play illegal software, you better be prepared for the consequences. This being one of them. So if you're one of these folks getting the boot from Live, I hope it was worth it. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play Modern Warfare 2 online right quick.
