Have 600,000 modders lost Xbox Live access in Microsoft cull?

happygeek 0 411 Views

Reports are starting to emerge online that Microsoft may have initiated a cull of Xbox Live accounts belonging to users of modified games consoles. One claims that a "trusty source" working in a call centre which handles Xbox 360 accounts has had an influx of "screaming teenagers who don't don't understand the terms of use that comes with the console they bought". That same posting suggests that as many as 600,000 Xbox Live accounts across North America have been disabled so far.

Comments to another forum that Xbox owners in Europe are also seeing accounts banned for having modifications such as flashed firmware on the DVD drive.

It would seem that the move is against those owners whose consoles have been modded to play pirated games and suggests that owners of such modified consoles should not login to Xbox Live until after the Christmas holidays as the cull should be over by then.

I have had my fair share of Xbox 360 hardware problems but have not been tempted into taking my revenge on Microsoft by going down the modded console route. I have to say that I'm glad I have stayed legal now, after all without Xbox Live the 360 is about as much use as a one legged man at an ass kicking party.

Dani AI

Generated

Quick context and what actually matters here: mainstream outlets reported a large enforcement sweep in November 2009 that targeted consoles modified to defeat DRM and play pirated games; Microsoft said modifying an Xbox violates the Xbox Live terms of use and that it enforces those rules. (pcworld.com)

How the enforcement system works (short): there are two different outcomes — account (profile) suspensions and device (console) bans. Account suspensions are often temporary and — if eligible — can be appealed through the Xbox Enforcement case‑review system. Device bans are applied to the hardware itself; they block that console from accessing Xbox network services and are treated as a separate, much more serious action. Microsoft points people to the Enforcement site for details and case reviews. (support.microsoft.com)

Actionable steps (what to do if a console or account is affected):

  1. Sign in at the Xbox Enforcement page (enforcement.xbox.com) and check Enforcement History — that shows account actions and, where eligible, a “Submit a case review” option.
  2. If the console shows an enforcement message but your enforcement history is clear, it’s likely a device ban — device bans generally aren’t eligible for case review.
  3. Keep email receipts and purchase records if you bought the console used; try to resolve with the seller or retailer if you were sold a banned device.
    Microsoft documentation explains the case‑review flow and notes the limits on device‑level actions. (support.microsoft.com)

Practical tips and caution (for buyers and owners): don’t log a suspicious/modified console into Xbox Live — that can trigger enforcement. When buying second‑hand, insist the seller demonstrate Live sign‑in with your account or provide a returnable purchase. If caught up in a ban but you believe it’s an error, collect evidentiary emails/screenshots and use the Enforcement case review as soon as possible; customer support cannot overturn enforcement decisions. ’s point about Live being central to the 360 experience underscores why this matters practically, not just legally. (pcworld.com)

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.

Edit Preview