Modders' Xbox 360s banned from Live
by Dustin Burg 
{ May 18th 2007 at 11:15AM }
It looks like Microsoft has finally brought down the hammer on modded Xbox 360s. With the release of the Halo 3 beta and as part of Microsoft's efforts to make Xbox Live a fair, fun, and unified community they are actively banning any Xbox Live connection from a 360 that has been hacked or modded. So, as such, the Live account isn't actually banned, just any connection to Xbox Live from the console is banned. As a result, some people may be finding that they can't connect to Xbox Live and get an error message similar to the one above. You know who you are and shame on you.
What do you think? Is banning modded Xbox 360s from Xbox Live a good thing or is Microsoft taking their banning powers a little too far?
[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
dunnypop @ May 18th 2007 11:21AM
I think they need to brick modded 360's. I'm sure they know how to do it.
Chappy @ May 18th 2007 11:26AM
Thank you, Microsoft; keep up the good work (that includes fixing the problem with purchased Marketplace content not working with off-line refurbished consoles).
I know the only modders out there today are the folks stealing games and not modifying game content, but I'm glad to see Microsoft closing the cracks in the security *before* people start shooting warthogs from pistols in Halo 3.
Chuckles @ May 18th 2007 11:24AM
I say this is a good thing. If you want to mod your console, more power to you as long as you just play your games by yourself. It's when they go online and ruin other peoples gaming experiences that you should draw the line. This is just what Microsoft is doing and I applaud them.
Killer @ May 18th 2007 11:26AM
It's a good thing. If you don't like it then go mod on the pc.
Gemini Ace @ May 18th 2007 5:30PM
Is there a way to cause the modded 360 to explode?
Adam @ May 18th 2007 11:28AM
Good, serves then right, hardly seemed fair that someone who stole the game got the same experience as me who paid £40 for it.
Killer @ May 18th 2007 11:33AM
Still waiting on the modder to show up and starting this is bs. I can't wait....
DA360 @ May 18th 2007 11:36AM
Well, I am not surprised since the ONLY modification available for the Xbox 360 is to mod the DVD-ROM drive's firmware and its only purpose is for game piracy. So like any other company, their just trying to protect their, and their investors (game developers) market and investment.
I can understand if someone wanted to create home brew content but at least now the Xbox 360 has a perfectly legal and non-hacking way to do that though XNA.
bkvalheim @ May 18th 2007 11:38AM
This is GREAT NEWS!
dutchb0y @ May 18th 2007 11:49AM
I think it's good.. look at all the cheating on Halo 2. If this stems that tide, I'm all for it.
Not surprised MS is trying to stop piracy too, but honestly, I am more worried about cheating, and they are too, when it's their flagship product.
Not to hate on the PS3, as having free reign on a good portion of the hardware through LINUX is cool, but I can see games like the upcoming SOCOM having hacks and mod cheats like Counterstrike and worse than Halo 2 in a heartbeat and with much less ability to stamp it out.
I like to think that some of my LIVE subscription costs mean that I have a relatively fair and clean online gaming experience (Screaming and bigoted idiots notwithstanding).
Stephen @ May 18th 2007 11:44AM
Great. Let me elaborate...really great. Thank you.
SuicideNinja @ May 18th 2007 11:54AM
In the PS2 era, this would have pissed me off. I like access to homebrew and customized games (like custom tracks in Guitar Hero 2...tried it a couple of days ago...it's pretty awesome). The PS2 is the worst console for emulators though.
But I have a rule. I respect what Microsoft has done with Xbox Live, where I have ZERO respect for what Sony has done with their shoddy lack-of-online-services and lack of dedication to gaming. Since Microsoft returned me to gaming, and playing the 360 online is fun, I will not modify it.
Also...after all the bullshit we've all had to endure in Halo 2, this is nothing short of necessary.
My question is...if you upgrade your own hard drive to save money...will they detect that and constitute that as a mod? Because that's something I'd consider. Their HDD prices suck like Sony's PS3 pricing.
Frank @ May 18th 2007 12:07PM
This is weird since I've actually arranged to get my 360 modded today.
Now I was fully ready to not be able to play games over Live (as I thought was the case) since I hadn't paid for the game.
I wanted to get my Xbox modded since there are a lot of games that I would never try normally and this is a way to play them. I fully believe in paying for something if it deserves my money - hence why I've already bought Gears, Oblivion and Dead Rising without even having a Live account yet (I only recently bought my 360 and I'm in student halls so can't connect to Live 'til I move out).
Personally, in my situation specifically, I don't think they should ban me from Live (should I ever get it) for having my 360 modded. I will own plenty of legal games and I think they should just do something similar to PC games where games with the same serial number (this assumes all original copies of games have a unique S/N) cannot be connected simultaneously.
And even if people do only play copied games, there's a whole lot of stuff on XBLA which they would have to purchase.
Just a thought, total banning is a tad harsh. In my case it means I won't be buying any multiplayer games for my 360 now. Ever. And I won't be able to connect to marketplace or arcade.
MS are definitely losing a lot of revenue from me alone. I would guess there a few people like me who would prefer to "try before you buy", especially in the UK where it's virtually impossible to return a game just because you don't like it.
SxBrrlShtgn05 @ May 18th 2007 5:13PM
How would they be taking it too far? They do what needs to be done. Why should the mass market suffer from poor gameplay due to the carelessness of Johnny Nooberson's infinite ammo flying vehicle sticky grenade death machines of doom? No reason, that's why.
ANt @ May 18th 2007 12:09PM
I think its a good thing.....screw the modders and I agree that MS should brick the modded consoles.
No doubt they know how to!!
chris @ May 18th 2007 12:12PM
Why is everyone concluding that someone who has modded their console will not "play fair." Just because you are stupid enough to pay for a game doesn't mean that someone who is technologically advanced is more liable to cheat because they have the game for free.
In all actuality, I have a modded xbox1 and found that my gaming experience on xlink kai was substantially more pleasing than that which I experience on xbox live with my (unmodded) 360. On kai, I get to play with like minded individuals who are into the "underground" scene. These people, generally speaking, are intelligent, do not cheat, and have something to say.
On xbox live on my 360, I am dealing with 12 year old kids screaming, glitching, and calling everyone niggers and fagots. In my estimation, it is those people that ruin a gaming experience over someone who is playing a game for free.
I do side with Microsoft that they are trying to protect their property and the investments of their clients. However, I feel that this conversation is stupid. Why are you all equating cheating with piracy and firmware modification?
I would have modded my 360 months ago, but I knew something like this would happen, so I chose to wait. Good thing eh?
All I ask is that this discussion shifts from unintelligent babbling about modding causing cheating within the xbox live experience. If you are willing to pay for games, then so be it, but don't chastise others for being a step ahead of the game and exploiting M$ stupid mistakes and security holes.
It just goes to show what M$ is really made of. OUTSOURCING, Cheap 3rd party products at high cost, minimizing expenses while keeping profits high (at your expense). These guys will squeeze every penny out of you and you will defend them to the death on this message board. Ever stop to think that M$ doesnt care about YOU personally, but rather your credit card information and usage statistics? I say, fuck the man and MOD AWAY.
Trust me, there will be a workaround to this very shortly.
-BMSinc
SinFULMX @ May 18th 2007 12:14PM
Ms bricked my console on the spring update, and it wasn´t modded, but anyway, i think that´s a great move for MS, it isn´t fair that someone boughts a game in five dollars, and i pay 70 dollars for it.
erikcurtis @ May 18th 2007 12:16PM
Yeah... keep it fair.
Jon @ May 18th 2007 12:19PM
Sweet! Just in time for the Halo 3 Beta. It's a good sign that MS is not going to tolerate any funny business on the 360 that may potentially screw up online multi-player.
Alex @ May 18th 2007 12:22PM
outstanding. I don't care what you do at home, but when a-hole cheaters come in to the game it is ruined for everyone. About time, Microsoft. Thanks.
itstu.com @ May 19th 2007 11:36AM
Ya, no tears from me. I'd assumed they were already banned in this way, weren't the original modden Xboxxen banned from live?
Michael Paul @ May 18th 2007 2:19PM
Frank said: 'I would guess there a few people like me who would prefer to "try before you buy", especially in the UK where it's virtually impossible to return a game just because you don't like it.'
Can't do that where I shop for games in the US either. Renting is available here, though.
On-topic: So the only bannable MOD is for playing pirated games? None of the non-MS stuff to backup hard disks and move Xbox 1 game saves onto the 360 qualifies? Those of us still planning on buying need to know...
Noodlez @ May 18th 2007 12:37PM
I find it rather amusing only the console is banned and the LICE account still works. I would assume this is so they can still clame a large LIVE subscriber base.
Virtua Fanboy @ May 18th 2007 12:38PM
@ chris
"Just because you are stupid enough to pay for a game doesn't mean that someone who is technologically advanced is more liable to cheat because they have the game for free."
Sorry bro, don't take this personal but paying for things that you get hardly makes a person stupid. I'm all for sticking it to the man so I'm not gonna call you a criminal like some would. (If you've downloaded and mp3 for free, your technically a criminal, I know I am, lol.) But don't put down honest people just because knowing how to mod is the only thing that makes you sleep better at night. Modding is cool but keep it offline. Even if your not cheating.
BTW pay for your shit like everyone else.
On subject, I don't have a lick of sympathy for anyone who gets rightfully banned. Including chris, just kidding lol.
Mike @ May 18th 2007 12:40PM
I have 2 360s... one modded and one not... the modded gets to mostly play the role of the 2nd console in multi-player games... yes, the 2nd game is almost always a burnt copy, I don't really want to buy 2 of the same game just so I can play with someone else in my own rec room... both were subscribed to Live, now I just have to make sure to use the right one on Live... I hate split screens!!!
tinycg @ May 18th 2007 1:27PM
It's all great until someone gets hurt. I'm all for it.. but the first guy/gal to have a non-modded xbox and be banned because the test thinks they do will suck really hard.
Its like wrestling as a kid, its a ton of fun, a good idea, until you break the couch. Then its not as much fun anymore.
elmersglue @ May 18th 2007 12:47PM
okay think about this logically guys. Everyone seems to be blinded by the satisfaction that people who have been getting free games for the past however long are getting screwed, but they don't realize what microsoft is actually doing to themselves. If modders arent paying for games, then their only form of payment to microsoft is paying for live and any downloadable content they've been downloading. There's no way to get around not paying for those things, so they must pay, no matter what. So what Microsoft has effectively done is allow modders to continue playing copied games, but just not on xbox live (the only way they still make money from them aside from the initial console purchase). Then of course, there's a good majority of modders that still buy the games that they think is worth buying. So now, in the event that a modder is banned, he/she can't even do that anymore...yes, microsoft has restricted their xbox 360 customer from playing even legit copies of games over live, rendering games such as Halo 3 pointless to purchase (which i'm sure majority of even the modding community was going to purchase due to its name and respect for Bungie)... and that just seems ridiculous to me. So now, those who got banned won't buy halo 3, they'll download it, copy it, and play the campaign for free, and won't touch xbox live. If the modding community was minuscule and insignificant, then this wouldn't be such a big deal to me or to microsoft's eyes since they wouldn't be losing much, but since they're are literally thousands upon thousands of people (see forum about this topic on xboxscene.com for proof, their servers have been pounded since yesterday, so you might have a tough time accessing it) then microsoft will probably find that their xbox live user count is going to plummet.
Ruben @ May 18th 2007 12:50PM
I have a moded xbox, i also have backups, just got banned, i dont really care, maybe if games were cheaper...but when in my country most only win about 500euros and a game costs 70euros...its very expensive to stay legal...
JJZee @ May 18th 2007 12:54PM
I pay for every game I play. I can go to the manufacturer if the disks don't work. There are NO REASONS for BACKUPS. The Terms of Service explicitly deals with modding.
I am so glad that MSFT decided swing the ban hammer. It is a great day for the live community.
I quit PC gaming and Halo 2 because modding sucks all the fun out of the gaming experience for me. I am glad Microsoft will continue to protect its investment by banning these console.
razer @ May 18th 2007 12:58PM
elmersglue: I think you are the only non-idiot that has posted in this thread. Good job!
It seems like everybody loves to jump on their high horse and claim that these people got what they deserve. Well, you ever d/l a song? How about copy a CD? How about speed down the freeway? Is that version of Windows you running Genuine? Too many hypocrites to count! Oh, but I'm sure everyone commenting here are perfect little angels.. whatever!!
What this will do is make all modders stop paying for live, stop buying content and stop advertising for the 360. Many just out of spite will switch to the PS3. Also, this is just going to push the hackers that much harder. It's a cat and mouse game and just like with every other console/handheld the hackers have the last laugh.
Btw - This will do nothing to stop cheaters. They will still be there in all their glory!
elmersglue @ May 18th 2007 1:01PM
oh and comment #25 reminds me...why does everyone relate modding to bad experiences on live? Is it because you guys are butt hurt about having to pay for the games or is it because the more people playing on live, the more fun you're ultimately going to end up having? I just don't get it, honestly, how many modders cheat? I'm curious to know, because you guys are making it seem like its a guaranteed link... "i mod, therefore i cheat". What the hell...seriously. BtW, for the record, my xbox is modded (clearly) but i haven't gotten banned yet, so at least i get to still purchase games like halo 3 and enjoy it (assuming that microsofts is detecting the copied game and not the actual firmware hack). But i just feel bad for all the other loyal 360 fanboys that would have ended up buying it but cant now.
Bernice Andrus @ May 18th 2007 1:08PM
Good move MS! Legitimate players should not have to deal with people who want to be A-Holes and ruin the gaming experience!
Zierbea @ May 18th 2007 1:26PM
Attention Modders: Dont whine and cry about how you might get banned and how your not going to buy games and how much money M$ will lose on you. Incase you dont get it they dont care even if 5% of all users modded that is like what 300,000 people. What does M$ care they have more money they god. Hell just this morning M$ purchaed an internet ad company for 6 Billion dollas. That amount is 89 percent more than the current value of the company on the NYSE yesterday. So take you free loading brick and shove it. Have a nice xbox free life I know I will be happier that you are gone.
Wilson @ May 18th 2007 1:40PM
"20. I find it rather amusing only the console is banned and the LICE account still works."
They really should get rid of those LICE accounts; they are too damn itchy!
Brian James @ May 18th 2007 1:38PM
BMSinc... you're nuts. Go live in Russia.
I can't imagine why you're so happy about stealing from developers. Shafting Microsoft? I guess that's the trendy thing to do. (M$? How are you going to spell google when your friends deem them too successful?) Cheating the retail chains and developers (remember Amiga? [killed by piracy]... without steam, most of those developers would be out of business, too.) out of their cut means nothing to you. It's too bad people like you are allowed to be exposed to amazing games that most of us pay to support.
Oh well... it doesn't effect me, does it? I hope you and all your ilk are banned for xbox live, can't watch videos from the marketplace, can't play multiplayer, can't download / play arcade games, or spam chat. With the pirates gone, I'll be hearing a lot less "nigger" and "faggot" in games I play.
blrksds @ May 18th 2007 1:43PM
Well Microsoft wont stop people buying "pirate games", but they will stop some income for them like the fee for xboxlive and the live arcade games, so, its less money for them, i dont think someone will purchase another console just for xbox live.
baby sea tuna @ May 18th 2007 2:04PM
#26
"Many just out of spite will switch to the PS3."
Riiiight...cause Sony would NEVER do anything drastic to protect their intellectual property *cough*rootkits*cough*
ccc @ May 18th 2007 2:25PM
Kill em......Kill em ALL!!!
ccc
Hello @ May 18th 2007 2:28PM
"Is it because you guys are butt hurt about having to pay for the games"
"Just because you are stupid enough to pay for a game doesn't mean that someone who is technologically advanced is more liable to cheat because they have the game for free."
wow, this is why people don't like modders.
elmersglue @ May 18th 2007 2:37PM
"I'll be hearing a lot less "nigger" and "faggot" in games I play."
Actually, i guarantee you that won't be the case... you think the 12 year old kids are the ones modding their xbox's? Does that make any sense to you? Because the annoying little kids on live are really going to know how to do it without bricking their boxes. If they're stupid enough to be assholes on live, then what makes you think their bright enough to mod their boxes? If anything, you'll be hearing a much more concentrated vocabulary of "nigger" and "faggot".
pea @ May 18th 2007 3:01PM
This makes the monkey giggle - about time. Rock on MS.
Killer @ May 18th 2007 3:05PM
@razer
To answer your question, I have downloaded songs for free. Problem is a song doesn't cost as much to make then a movie. (I Beleive movie downloading is bad and I have never done it. Never speed in my life, because it's agianst the law and your car gets worse gas mileage. I have 10 pcs that all have the same windows, except they aren't copies. It's called a F disk loop hole, nothing illegal about it.) Games are exactly like moives, They cost shitloads to make. Songs, I just want one good song from a cd of 18 songs that suck. (I never download much since I have sirius and xm, now.) Songs don't cost an iota of cash compared to video games and movies. That's why I'm glad microsoft is going after the copy games crowd. If you don't have the cash to buy the game then try to use money managing. Wait this is major human population were talking about, nevermind then. You say that we're all morons for saying thanks to Microsoft for doing this, yet you can't even manage your money and have self-restrainment to not want every game that comes out. Don't compare a $1 song to a game that cost $60. That's like comparing a Rolls Royce to a KIA.
edmund @ May 18th 2007 3:54PM
@ Killer #40:
If all 10 PCs have the same copy of Windows, then you are violating the EULA. End of story. It doesn't matter how you achieved this feat, you are stealing Windows.
Downloading a song and downloading a movie are ethically, morally, and legally identical. Please don't try to claim otherwise.
So, your point is that NOT buying $60 games is poor money management? I don't follow that logic.
A Rolls Royce and a KIA are both cars, both have four wheels, both have steering wheels, run on gas, have an engine, windshield, etc. You HAVE to compare them to see any differences.
tamat @ May 18th 2007 4:04PM
Hi, my name is Tamat and I have a modded XBOX. (Hi tamat). Well, now everybody knows I'm one of the worse monsters of the planet (just a step below terrorist) I will explain my situation.
My brother bought the 360 for christmas. We both played our original games happily but my cousin had the console too so we though it would be great to share our original games to play together.
I wasnt planning to stop purchasing games, all I want was to share them, I thought its a nice way to play it. Obviously as soon as we had the firmware we start downloading all the games we could but none of them really got us (none worth the money they said), we played more to the original ones (GoW, SCDA, PGR3) we already have while we wait for the next blockbuster (Bioshock, Mass Effect) to buy it.
Meanwhile I like playing XBLA games as a Gold user I am, because we are paying TWO Gold account (one for me and one for my brother so we can have our own profiles on internet).
So know I cant play online, I cant play XBLA, and I'm pissed off with MS. How its supposed I will pay for an original game knowing I wont be able to play online? This movement only turns me more radical about downloading games.
I was still pissed off to be paying two xbox gold account (and having only one console) and now this.
You can say I'm a horrible person for stealing others job, but I think the firmware was the only way we had to prevent the companies to make really expensive games, now they know we cant pirate them they will start raising the price.
anthony rudgick @ May 18th 2007 4:36PM
how many more ignorant fools will equate having a modded firmware which more or less only enables the use of backups or at worst pirated backups with cheating?
i agree with the bans, but for the actual reasons, microsoft believing that the mods take money out of their pockets or their partner's pockets. truth of the matter is these backups just expose people to more half assed games they would never buy in the first place.
anyone who denies this is totally about money is confused.
Techno-Kid @ May 18th 2007 5:13PM
Anyone claiming that it's "stupid" to pay for games (or anything in general) when you can get them for free is either ignorant or an anarchist. Definitely selfish.
Why shouldn't you give money to people, or the industry in general, that provides the entertainment you crave desperately enough to resort to unscrupulous methods to procure? What incentive would anyone have to create new content for you if they never saw a dime for it? Would YOU work for free?
Paying for things you want isn't being stupid, it's Capitalism and it's awesome.
h0mi @ May 18th 2007 7:46PM
"I wanted to get my Xbox modded since there are a lot of games that I would never try normally and this is a way to play them. "
Gamefly. There's other services too.
There's no excuse for ripping off game makers and resorting to a burned copy. I've rented several dozen games and this has helped me decide to buy certain games (lego star wars & viva pinata come to mind) and avoid others (fear, rainbow 6 las vegas, fuzion factor).
Token @ May 22nd 2007 6:10PM
I thank Microsoft for this, serves modders right. You can case mod all you want, but when you mod your firmware and want to cheat that's not right. Thios is one of the best things Microsoft can do.
Puddin @ May 20th 2007 1:50AM
You people in favour of pirated games... you *do* know that MS sells their consoles at a loss, right?
That means they have to make money off games.
How would you feel if someone was going out of their way to stop your source of income?
SeNiLe @ May 19th 2007 8:29AM
Some people are a joke. Modding is an addiction people. Once you get a taste of a free game, you want more and more. You don’t care if it’s a good game or bad, you end up wanting them all. Then they say they will purchase Halo 3 due to its name and respect for BUNGiE but BUNGiE doesn’t need the modding community’s money as bad as the other developers do and the least money the other developers get the worst the games are going to get if any at all. You need to support all equally so there is an equal playing field. If every person where to mod there box then there would be no games to play, the developers would all go under. So support every game so they continue to put out games and hopefully the games will get better and better. I hope all the modders do end up going to the PofS3, M$ doesn’t need them. Hopefully the modders will ruin the PofS3 and legit people from the PofS3 come to the Xbox 360 and see how much better the games and online play are. Modders are modders, if you do it to get free games or to shoot Wraith blast from a pistol, you will all get banned, now or soon and you deserve every bit of it. Good move M$!