14 DAY TRIAL // The Xbox 360 is quite an interesting console, especially for game pirates who, after a few modifications, can make Microsoft's product run almost any kind of disc out there, whether it contains legal or illegal software. Such practice isn't very common, but that hasn't stopped various piracy groups from releasing games that weren't even on the store shelves, like Fallout 3 or Gears of War 2, for any modded Xbox 360.
In an effort to discourage such practice, Microsoft recently went on a banning spree, kicking out any pirates who had modded their Xbox 360 out of the Xbox Live online service. Such a measure, although completely justified, wasn't met with support on the part of the majority of Xbox Live members, who thought the company discriminated a few cases and banned users for no reason whatsoever.
In reply to these concerns, Larry Hyrb, otherwise known as Major Nelson, Microsoft's community manager for the Xbox 360, came forward with a statement in which he justified the recent measure that the Redmond-based company employed. He went on saying that such a practice as modifying your console was in direct violation of the Xbox Live terms and really hurt the whole gaming industry.
"In our continued effort to keep gameplay safe and secure for our community of more than 14 million members, Microsoft has taken action against a small percentage of Xbox 360 consoles that have been illegally modified in order to play pirated games. You should know that modifying your Xbox 360 console is also a violation of the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void your warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE. The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive, both from manufacturers and the local companies that support them. We will continue to employ and bolster anti-piracy security measures to counter piracy in the gaming industry and improve security in the Xbox LIVE community."
A very good measure, essential to keeping users on the legal side of gaming and preventing them from adopting such practices as piracy or cheating, which ruin the whole experience for other users. Let's just hope that this action will teach pirates a lesson.