Microsoft bans 1 million Xbox pirates

CNET reports Microsoft has banned 1 million Xbox Live players who violated the Terms of Use by modifying their console in order to play pirated versions of games. It's speculated that Activision may be behind this move, InformationWeek believes the game publisher may have urged Microsoft to enact bans after Modern Warfare 2 started appearing on file sharing sites in advance of the release. It's unknown whether these bans are permanent or just a warning.

This week, Activision's new Call of Duty was released, and InformationWeek speculated that because pirated versions of the game appeared on various sharing sites in advance of the release, the game's developer may have exhorted Microsoft to enact the bans.

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In a statement Microsoft said its "commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of the Xbox Live community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live. We can assure you that if an Xbox Live member follows the Xbox Live terms of use, purchased a retail copy of Modern Warfare 2 and played the game on an unmodified Xbox 360, no action will be taken."