Microsoft: Xbox Live bans for the "health of the videogame business"
Modified consoles used to play pirated games barred from the company's online service for breach of warranty
Xbox Live's Major Nelson has revealed that Microsoft has recently banned a number of Xbox 360 consoles modified to play pirated games.
In his blog, Major Nelson explained that any modification to an Xbox 360 was a violation of the terms of service and that action needed to be taken against software piracy in order to protect the games industry.
"Microsoft has taken action against a small percentage of Xbox 360 consoles that have been illegally modified in order to play pirated games," he explained.
"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," he said, adding: "The health of the videogame 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. "