"Allowed or Not" and Account Bans: Explained

To reduce repeated messages, what is allowed to use and what is not, here is a full list of commonly used third-party softwares etc etc. One more thing to say: If I am incorrect, try to correct me and I'll fix it as needed. I'll take no responsibility or promote using third-party software.

What is allowed?

• Multilaunch tool (GWx2)
• TexMod
• KSMod (Official info, see website.)
• Macros (If they are integrated with the device, G15 keyboard for example. If automated, it's a bot.)
• Fraps
• GWstats
• G15 applets
• Xfire

Using these "mods" (Also referred as third-party software) is okay, as it doesn't hurt the game. ArenaNet doesn't support any of these softwares, and it's completely your choise to use them. If you mess up, it's your trouble, not mine, not ArenaNet's, not NCSoft's, nobody's else, it's your own responsibility.

Multilauncher may modify the game's code a bit to open two windows of GW, but it's been accepted for money transfers beetween characters etc. Nothing that would harm other players.

Now, there's been some speculation about TexMod. It does give you a little advantage over other players with easy cartography and stuff, it is nothing "huge" and it won't hurt the game's economy. And for graphic alterations (Same applies for KSMod), it uses DirectX's memory layer and the changes are only visible for you.

It's almost the same as using Cheat Engine or any other packet modifier to change your amount of money you are carrying: It will only show you a fake number, as the real amount is placed in servers.

KSMod has been announced officially by Emily to be okay to use, however, since this third-party program uses .dll injecting, the new detection system may see this as a bot as told by some users. Later on confirmed that this won't get you banned.

G15 keyboards and other devices include built-in macro functions. A macro can be made fully automatical, where it falls to bots again. Using these macro functions on your keyboard whatsoever is allowed if they are not made automatic. You can make like pressing G1 on your G15 keyboard to quickly swap characters (Macro presses F12 + C). These can't be automated to farm raptors, vaettirs, do some Jade Quarry whatsoever again.

I won't be listing every possible program here as everybody knowns that are they allowed (Do they give advantage over other players) or not. So, if you are still wondering what's not allowed, here's some list of forbidden things:

What is not allowed?

• Exploits
• Dupes
• Bots (Including Drunkardbot!)
• Hacks
• Modifying the game's code
• Match modifying
• Everything that gives unfair advantage over other players.

Let's start with bots. As you've may seen in PvP (Most likely in the Jade Quarry), some people just run to shrines ignoring everything else and just kill them all. This is automated = bot. Bot = Automated. That's why Drunkardbot also falls to bots. Here's an example again:

Player 1: Uses alcohol.
Player 1: Waits a while and uses another alcohol.

Player 2: Runs a Drunkardbot that automatically waits until drunkness goes away.
Player 2: Bot clicks another ale automatically and player 2 can go AFK.

Player 1 does it right, respectfully, clicking those ales manually for almost 3 and ½ years. He can even combine it with Dwarwen Stability or Drunken Master skills.
Meanwhile, player 2 just idles in outpost, bot randomly clicks the screen to make the character walk.

Modifying the game's code has always been a violation of RoC, EULA and stuff. 'Nuff said, you all knew it.

I got banned for no reason!

Even if you wouldn't have botted recently, ArenaNet has a zero tolerance: If you've botted in past, you've got reaped by Dhuum now. End of story, it's game over for you.

You may have also seen the screen where it says your account has been terminated; in fact, that's just all drama. Here's how the database actually works (Yes, I'm a nerd.):

For each character/account, there are categories such as money, banned, and everything. By default, the banned category is 0. When you get banned, this category changes to 1, because that's how the binary works. When there's 1, you are not able to play. (EDIT: It's actually true/false)

Here's what would happen if your account would be completely deleted (i.e. terminated):

Your all information is all wiped from the database and that empty space would be replaced by some other account's info. Because hard drive disks (Same for Solid State Drives) always try to write info to empty spaces, when it doesn't completely fit it writes the data somewhere else on the same disk. This would cause "fragmention", which would be very bad for the database, causing slowdown etc.

Same happens for your PC, and that's where you most likely want to reinstall Windows or other OS. You think that deleting some programs you don't use makes your PC faster. Wrong. It may delete some start-up making boot faster, but it will cause even more fragmention. Get the point? You most likely look like this:

If you still feel unjusticed, you can send NCSoft (ArenaNet) a support ticket here or email them at [email protected].

Thanks to ArenaNet

Lastly, I'd like to thank Anet for anti-botting.

NEW INFO

It is not recommended to play GW on friend's PC or any other PC than yours. It could have had a third-party program that would violate the rules and so on. (ie. bot)

If you get banned, you could buy a new account for GW (Not quaranteed to work, NCSoft says you get banned, ArenaNet says you won't if you don't cheat anymore).

(Not really new but meh) Only download allowed programs (TexMod, KSMod, Multilaunch...) from trusted websites: They are allowed to use in their original forms. If you download it from bot-hosting (bad) website, it could be modified with code that gets you banned.

Sending ArenaNet a support ticket about your ban doesn't help most of the time as you get the same message (see other pages of this thread) as other users. If they say they are not going to help you, it's really the end of story, buddy.

Even more info

KSMod developer has announced good guidelines here.

More to come?

Ksmod is now set to being used externally and it's been of concern to be read as a 3rd party program thus scaring me off from even having it in the main folder. It would be great if someone could make a confirmation the file is safe from any "accidental" bannings and by that, I mean by confirming it officially.

I was in Great Temple of Balthazar last night where Martin, Stéphane, Emily and Regina were interacting, and one of those devs (I forgot which one) stated that these programs listed above are allowed in their current forms. I.e. if there are new releases of these programs with additional features, we'd have to wait for confirmation as to whether or not they could be used safely.

When you're speaking of current forum, that's why I worry if ksmod still counts or if they're still only aware of it's previous execution.

It was Emily who stated they were OK to use. But she qualified that with "original version only". That is because when you download a program from a site other than the original you can't know what has been added to it. She also emphasized the fact that if your "allowed" 3rd-party program causes problems, ArenaNet support will not help you. It's a case of "use at your own risk" and live with the results.

I use TexMod for mapping and Multi-Launch for transfers, so I was very happy to learn I am not in danger of being banned.

Yeah, and I was also supposed to note that if you have any conserns on some third-party software, don't use it. Like James said. KSMod has been a consern, I haven't used it personally (.dll injection can cause banhammer to trigger) and I only heard about it today really. UT sounds "sound" cool, and so do high-res armors. Yet again, use at own risk.

I was also supposed to say that you never know if third-party software are original or are they infected with malicious code that alters the way GW works or your PC works.

Just as a warning, this will be the first reply you will get if you email support regarding wrongful banning:

And should you pursue the matter further, this will be your second reply:

You may or may not get the following reply if you are still trying to discuss the issue with Support after the above two replies to your ticket:

This set of replies has been in use for years now, so anyone who hasn't had any experience with NCSoft Support should be aware that you will not get help until after being told you won't get any help. This is normal, so just grin and bear it. Yes, you will be told you do not have any chance to appeal even though you have likely been directed to Support to do just that by Gaile, Regina, or another ArenaNet employee. Again, this is completely normal, and is just how NCSoft Support works. Take it in stride and keep trying.

great job of Anet but they can better work on GW2 for a release this year or beta this year ;O

Please make the same thing on Guild Wars 2 after 1/2/3 year of game re-ban all the botting player *-* i really love it *-*

Didn't KSMod stop working or is there a new one out?

Whatever they say, I've uninstalled KSMod anyway.

I don't wanna take the risk of running into some automated detection and being suspended for some minor cosmetic tweak. Expecially not after years of dedicated and honest play.

Call me a paranoid but this worked great for me.

My main account which never botted got banned today

as a word of advice, i was told if you want to launch a ticket with someone who will actually reply, try gaile's direct email link.

Removed

bypasses two weeks of being told you're not getting help.

Glad to see you're willing to help.

The corporate end with anyone is not always known for being helpful.

But did your second account bot?

IP address. *whistle*

Official confirmation of what is allowed and what isn't


PS @ OP : I don't see macro's anywhere in the list, so you might want to remove it out of your list

none of mine did. my brother botted though

and yes i traded some of his stuff to my acc > vice versa.
thats not a banable offence though.

Total paranoia is complete awareness

Um, well the whole thing looks good to me except for one error I see in the grammar. If you are looking to make it a perfect guide then I would fix it.

Because, I don't feel like quoting I am going to copy and paste.

"Your all information is all wiped from the database and that empty space would be replaced by some other account's info."

Shouldn't it read All your... ~OR~ Your info...

Wonderful guide. Sorry I notice dumb things and yes I know my grammar and spelling is terrible.

What about also adding in the other multi-launch tools. Also things like the Item Manager and the CiC(consumable calculator) that are found in the Community Works section of Guild Wars Guru. It doesn't modify GW's or anything like that but you could consider them programs that affect the game. Or, are you specifically looking for things that change the game's appearance or play itself?

Well then it looks like he's got some explaining to do.

I'm not convinced Macros are okay either. Anyway, can we try and keep the "omg I got banned" comments out of here please?

mhmmm, my main had much more done on it than his did.... im defs not happy with him...

Does this take into account the G15 feature that allows time delay for the G# keys.

effectively creating a drunkard bot; you can define your keys to mouse click, time delay mouse click, time delay mouse click.

Shouldn't there be separate guidelines for PvE and PvP since they are treated differently? Besides, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to see what is / isn't bannable.

PvE: does it do something while you're afk? If so, ban.
PvP: as above, and in addition, does it give a tangible advantage over your opponent (i.e., augment your abilities)? If so, ban.

lol, they say that they are ok, but with the caveat that not all modifications of it are ok. if yours is modified, then it is possible to be banned. who is going to be the one defining a modification? They are. Who is the one the will be defining whether or not it is original? They are. I sure as hell don't know what the orginal of these programs are because they are always updated to be better.

So basically, they are saying that sure, you can use them, but they can also ban you for using them if they determine that your version is not allowed (which is totally determined by them). They are being purposefully vague so that it gives them leeway to ban people that may be using these programs if they so choose. They may not choose to do so now, but they can sure as hell change their mind later.

They are not going to give you a definite "no, we will not ban anyone who uses these programs at all" because that would trap them in a box where they may end up going back on their word. Being vague allows them to say later if they do ban people for these programs, "we said that we do not support these programs and to use them at your own risk," sorry.

and that is that.

It's not the means , it's the result that's key. If you automate anything, you're on slippery ground...

I don't remember us saying that but I'll enquire.

As far as I know, these details are pure speculation (or an allegory?). We do not give details pertaining to our systems for obvious security reasons.

To quote James Phinney, here's a more detailed way to use support in these cases:

I certinly hope G15 macros are OK, you guys gave away G15's as prizes XD.

(yes, I know using the macros to automate farming, etc is not allowed)

In reference to the G15

Please do, I have a G15. Have only use the the G-keys for number keys and target lock. But always kinda worried that it may count as 'botting'

Let me get this straight, you traded items/money with an account that you knew was a botter and you think that is not a bannable offence??

LOL, you might want to think about that for a minute or two.

I have a G11. When I first got it I used one tiny macro. Select a party member and buff them. Like Ranger pet, select, and cast Great Dwarf Weapon. I quit using it after a short time, though. Didn't help that much.

WoW was fairly strict about the G series keyboards as well. Don't know about now, but they were a couple years back. Automating Priests and Warlocks was popular. I did that on WoW and never got into trouble, but some did. So I stopped that too.

Problem here is, there is no way of knowing exactly what raises the red flag for ANet. Until there is a detailed official statement from ANet about what is allowable with G series keyboards and what is not, better to be safe than sorry.

Regina, is using other software such as AutoHotkey legal in order to assign and modify keystrokes and key commands? For example, a hotkey that binds the mouse wheel to target scrolling (mousewheel up -> [, mousewheel down ->]), or a hotkey that binds the "Order hero 1/2/3 to use skill 1" command into a single key.

Thanks in advance.

There was discussion on the legality of macros on Gaile's page in June 2009. This is what it came down to:

Can I get a clarification on this? If I do the the mission, "Against the Charr" and I flag my heroes to the final boss to kill him directly (without any other enemies spawning), am I going to get a ban in the future?

1. You haven't told us is it allowed or not either, so it's allowed unless it's automated. G15 keyboard (Hey, you really gave these away) can't be automated.

2. That just explains how to work in situations where you want to report a bot or something. o_O

3. As I have researched before, Google finds some topics on G15 macros.

http://guildwars.incgamers.com/forum...d.php?t=439224

I do own G15 keyboard here myself too (hooray), but macroing GW with that keyboard is a bit, eh, difficult. Could be used to type something blazing fast but meh.

I think it is really important for ANet to spell out exactly what is allowable, preferably on the GW main site or wiki. I know there are "official" statments but they are a bit too generalised . A lot of people use a lot of benign 3rd party apps which enhances their enjoyment of the game without giving them a significant advantage, I think there may even be some accessibility issues here with some programs aiding disabled/disadvantaged people.

I myself use texmod just to reskin the look of the interface windows, it adds value to me (I didn't use the cart mod as I got these titles early before texmod was generally used in GW). So, a list of programs that won't get you banned would be appreciated.

Regina/Stéphane,
I'm assuming the 'Fraps' video-making software is safe and won't incur the ban-scythe?

I've used it and am still here so I'm guessing it's fine, but in light of recent events I wanted to be safe rather than sorry as I have no idea whether or not it uses .dll-injection or something else which could get me erroneously bot-flagged.

Thanks!!

-DT

you will be safe using fraps, lol. it is just a video recording device and doesn't affet gameplay what-so-ever.

Solution for the KSMod controversy: implement it in-game as a toggle-on option. Not the UT sounds but the high-res armors in-town.

This will NOT bypass anything. You cannot launch a ticket with Gaile directly, you MUST file your ticket through http://www.guildwars.com/support/.

If you are unable to submit a support ticket, you may email Support at the following (exact) address: [email protected]. Expect this option to take longer. You will be emailed a support ticket number for reference.

Gaile is only able to review submitted tickets that are being disputed. If you have submitted a ticket with support, and have been patient (they are really overwhelmed atm, so a minimum of 3 days should be expected for a response), and you would like Gaile to review your ticket, then the best way to accomplish this is to post on her Wiki/Support Issues page. Provide her with the support ticket number, and a brief explanation of the problem, and then be patient waiting for her response.