[bf1942] Response from EA regarding server Bans

[Andrew Von Niederhausern]

Darren,

I think the question that needs to be asked if editing the server
configuration py scripts is considered "hacking" or simply server
configuration.

On this list, the py feature has been talked up as being a server
configuration method.

If the timelimit is indeed just part of a server configuration py
script, then how can that at all be considered against the EULA?

Now I don't know about the unlocks and that may indeed involve more than
just configuring the server configuration scripts..


Maybe some clarification..

Are servers being blacklisted for the unlock and timelimit or just the
unlocks?

Andrew

-----Original Message-----
From: [RNGD]Tyrant [mailto:tyrant at rngd.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2005 3:16 PM
To: bf1942 at icculus.org
Subject: [bf1942] Response from EA regarding server Bans

I sent my contact (for interviews and stuff) an email about this issue,
they
have confirmed that they are indeed banning people....here is the reply



------------------------
Hey

Yes, we have temporarily blocked servers that have made certain hacks -
taking out the time limit or accessing all the unlocks.  It's certainly
possible to get unbanned - the current bans for first offenders are just
for
a couple of days - repeat offenders will get longer penalties.  The
bottom
line is we are completely supportive of mods (that offer new/tweaked
gameplay), but will not tolerate hacks that get around some of our
important
gameplay elements (like the unlock system).

We will not permit mods that provide access to all the unlocks (on the
ranked servers anyway) - that defeats the whole purpose of the ranking
system.  It's not the same as the M60/Law issue, which was simply a
balance
tweak.

We are putting together announcement to clear up this and some other
questions.

Cheers

Darren

------------------------

I then asked him a follow up question about if they would allow an
'unlock
mod' for the full version and he said that would be ok, for unranked
servers
only. 

By the way I am new to the group, but I am the cofounder of
www.igsoa.com
and we have been hounding EA about this ranked server issue for months,
and
we will keep doing it. One thing I can report is they are going to allow
more hosts to rent ranked servers (Art of War announced today they are
part
of the program)

Tyrant