COD4 Exploit Bans Cleared Up

Well, it turns out the leaked internal memo from Microsoft about thousands of Xbox Live bans over the COD4 beta was fake. Major Nelson has come to the rescue and cleared things up. Basically they aren't banning thousands of people just yet, and in fact they don't seem to be banning anyway - instead choosing to warn you that you could very well be banned should you try and get into the Beta via an exploit.

I’ve seen a few stories circulating today about a huge Xbox LIVE banning related to the COD4 beta. I went and chatted with the ban hammer folks, and confirmed what I suspected: We did NOT ban tens of thousands of folks yesterday as some are reporting. As many of you know we do sometimes have to take action against accounts and consoles that violate the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use.  Although we’re really impressed with the excitement around the Call of Duty 4 multiplayer beta, I do want to take this moment to point out that that the steps I’ve been reading about that some people have been trying to take to get in on the beta without their own token could very well violate our Terms of Use.

Remember that sharing accounts isn’t just a violation of the terms, which could get you banned, it’s actually not a good thing to do in general.  People can get details about you or content from you, or try to take action against you when you do something like that.  It is your responsibility to keep your account information safe.  Regarding the COD4 beta, the best advice I can give in a situation like this is try and be patient.  We know you all want to play, and we think that’s great, but if you break the rules, you can be banned.