Recently, a number of accounts which were confirmed to have violated the user agreement by using unauthorized third-party software tools within Final Fantasy XI to enable abnormal in-game movement were discovered and have been suspended or permanently terminated.

Based on the results of an investigation, over 2,000 PlayOnline accounts have been either suspended or terminated on Jul. 21, 2006 for the malicious and intentional use of this third-party tool.

Square Enix would like to take this time to remind their players that the use of any third-party tools will not only destroy the in-game balance, but will also encourage RMT (Real Money Trade) activities. Square Enix will continue to take strict actions against those individuals that they have confirmed to have used such tools.

Please note that some of these third-party tools tools may cause character information to be altered, erased, or personal information to be leaked to unwanted third parties. If you come across a third-party tool over the Internet, they ask that you please refrain from the download of such a tool, no matter how minor it may appear to be.

To ensure that their customers can enjoy their games safely, they will continue to apply measurements to combat these third-party tools and violations.