Following news that U.S. law firm Abingdon IP are engaging in an investigation which claims that Microsoft “strategically” banned so many consoles in the 4th quarter as a result of a busy period, Microsoft have made a response.
The ban of around a reported 600,000 to a million Xbox’s has occurred close to the release of two immensely popular games both online and offline: Halo: ODST and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Abingdon IP claim that the bans are of a tactical nature to rather than a policy on piracy as Microsoft would have seen a dramatic difference in revenue had the bans taken place before the aforementioned games releases. In Microsoft's defence, a spokesperson commented:
The ban of around a reported 600,000 to a million Xbox’s has occurred close to the release of two immensely popular games both online and offline: Halo: ODST and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Abingdon IP claim that the bans are of a tactical nature to rather than a policy on piracy as Microsoft would have seen a dramatic difference in revenue had the bans taken place before the aforementioned games releases. In Microsoft's defence, a spokesperson commented:
“Piracy is illegal and modifying an Xbox 360 is a violation of the Xbox Live Terms of Use. Microsoft is well within its legal rights to ban these users from Xbox Live.”Tactical decision in banning or not it will be interesting to see how Abingdon IP propose to take the court to case as it is completely at Microsoft’s discretion regarding bans. Buying a game you intend and expect to play online does in no way guarantee you access to Live should you have a modified Xbox.
Source: FinancialPost
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