Follow-Up On This Week's Ban Wave

ZOS_Kevin · May 23

Hello everyone,

We want to take a moment to address an enforcement action regarding the use of unauthorized third-party software in our game. We recently took action against 57 accounts found using unauthorized third-party software—specifically, a program known as "FishyBot" or "FishyBot ESO"—to automate gameplay. These accounts have been permanently banned following a thorough investigation by our Safety Team.

We want to remind everyone, that the use of bots, scripts, automation tools, or unapproved third-party software for The Elder Scrolls Online is a direct violation of our Terms of Service and Code of Conduct. We are committed to maintaining a fair and secure environment for all players and will continue to monitor and enforce these policies.

We appreciate those who play fairly and help keep the game enjoyable for everyone. If you suspect a violation of our rules, please report it from in-game or our help portal: https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/#en/home/category/28.

UrQuan · May 23

FishyBot? Hmm, sounds fishy to me...

Syldras · May 23

UrQuan wrote: »

FishyBot? Hmm, sounds fishy to me...

I just googled it: It automatizes fishing (who would have guessed).

JavaRen · May 23

Imagine losing your account because you were too lazy to fish......

AlwaysDancing · May 23

You know what they say about illegal fishing? You'll eventually get cod.

UrQuan · May 23

Syldras wrote: »

UrQuan wrote: »

FishyBot? Hmm, sounds fishy to me...

I just googled it: It automatizes fishing (who would have guessed).

lol, yeah you're right I just googled it and found this:

They even warn you on the site where you download it that it can get you banned

I guess with the fishing endeavors and golden pursuits lately that explains why suddenly there's a wave of people getting banned for this... Come on, how lazy are people that they can't do a little fishing while watching Youtube or something?

spartaxoxo · May 23

I know that some innocent people were caught up in this wave. Some of which have now been unbanned. There's been posts with screenshots of getting bans reversed on other social media. So, if you got caught up in this ban wave in error, be sure to submit a ticket!

Twohothardware · May 23

You guys would be better served by giving a warning prior to permanent ban to people that are using software you deem against ToS if it's being done on only an individual account. Some people may not realize that using a tool to automate a basic action in the game is against ToS when you allow addons that automatic all sorts of things like completing daily crafting writs.

spartaxoxo · May 23

@ZOS_Kevin

Could someone for ZOS please post the appeals link for that here. I think some people had trouble finding it and good link safety is only from official sources.

ZOS_Kevin · May 23

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I know that some innocent people were caught up in this wave. Some of which have now been unbanned. There's been posts with screenshots of getting bans reversed on other social media. So, if you got caught up in this ban wave in error, be sure to submit a ticket!

Definitely this! And if you have already submitted a ticket, please be patient. Putting in multiple tickets just slows down the process for you.

Maitsukas · May 23

Twohothardware wrote: »

You guys would be better served by giving a warning prior to permanent ban to people that are using software you deem against ToS if it's being done on only an individual account. Some people may not realize that using a tool to automate a basic action in the game is against ToS when you allow addons that automatic all sorts of things like completing daily crafting writs.

There's a huge difference between external programs/tools (like "CheatEngine" and "FishyBot" Kevin mentioned in his post) and add-ons (like "LazyWritCrafter"). The latter is only allowed, since it's made with the API that ZOS provides.

Etherea1 · May 23

Was @E.thereal in that list of 57 people? Was there any fishing activity past this few month?
Haven't received info from customer support.

Destai · May 23

spartaxoxo wrote: »

I know that some innocent people were caught up in this wave. Some of which have now been unbanned. There's been posts with screenshots of getting bans reversed on other social media. So, if you got caught up in this ban wave in error, be sure to submit a ticket!

I'm curious how many were actually innocent. Knowing it's a low rate would be pretty good PR and give me more faith in the system. Not something they should be leaving to speculation.

alternatelder · May 23

There have been a lot of xbox accounts reporting they've been banned. So obviously this isn't the only reason a ban wave has started. Is AI still a part of the issue despite them saying AI isn't automating bans?

Erickson9610 · May 23

A fishing bot to automate fishing? I think fishing in general should be updated to have a more engaging minigame — something that can't be automated and which requires the player to pay closer attention to the game.

There are tons of examples of fun fishing minigames in various video games — ESO's fishing is extremely basic and encourages botting. A fishing update in general to add new fishing rods or animations as Customized Actions would be great.

spartaxoxo · May 23

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Etherea1 wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin , could you pleasee provide link for appeal form. Regular support is not availiable as website account suspended too.

The link here, https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/#en/answer/8540, should have all the appeal information available.

Oh looks like Kevin already posted the link in another thread. Hit the ">>" button next to his name in the quote to go to the official comment.

scrappy1342 · May 24

if you have trouble with fishing, i highly recommend votan's fisherman. i am hearing impaired and cannot make out the fish hooked noise in the game. and the visual is so quick, if you blink or are watching tv (as someone else suggested), you'll miss it. this addon lets you change the sound for the fish on (i have mine set to the DING! noise that happens when the pockets turn green) and put a bigger visual on the screen that lasts longer. i have mine set to that a giant red hook pops up in the middle of the screen. i can see it out of the corner of my eye even if i'm watching tv and miss the sound.

Dock01 · May 24

Thank you, hope more ban waves on 3rd party apps in the near future ! good to see those cheaters righfully banned , "cheating and bots in eso dont exist" lmao yeah okay cant wait to see them make a new account somewhere on steam or forum begging to get their account back , gaslighting people that nothing happend lul this is so satisfying i saw 1 steam forum where they did the same thing and no one believe them which is so good, no game is immune to cheating and no amount of gas lighting will convince people other wise

JoHegl · May 24

Twohothardware wrote: »

You guys would be better served by giving a warning prior to permanent ban to people that are using software you deem against ToS if it's being done on only an individual account. Some people may not realize that using a tool to automate a basic action in the game is against ToS when you allow addons that automatic all sorts of things like completing daily crafting writs.

(1) Thx for letting us know about the background of all this, @ZOS_Kevin . That's a really big thing for many people from what I've heard.
From personal experience: Getting a message that says you are banned without any specifics (e.g. we believe your account was hacked - which was sort of the reason for a short yet inconvenient ban of mine once) is super insulting and discouraging you to hold on to this franchise in any way.

(2) And as Twohothardware said: I think you should give a warning before you ban. At the end of the day it's a game, one we invest quite some money and time in though. So why not say "hey, you've been naughty, stop that" once or twice first.
Why? Because this game has a giant social component (and the player base is super diverse in various ways). Scare people too much too soon and you'll lose them - including existing players who have not done anything but might just be too afraid of the what-if. And ESO is too nice of a game for that...

Cheers
Jo

XSTRONG · May 24

Fish bots that sell perfect roe to either sell gold or having an huge unfair advantage in Guildtrader bids.

Nice to hear that Zos find them and ban them!

StihlReign · May 24

4 years, 57 people. Wow, that's a lot of perfect ROE!

Elsonso · May 24

It notifies via Discord when the fishing hole is empty? What? These holes last just a couple minutes. It can take longer to find a new fishing hole.

scrappy1342 wrote: »

if you have trouble with fishing, i highly recommend votan's fisherman. i am hearing impaired and cannot make out the fish hooked noise in the game. and the visual is so quick, if you blink or are watching tv (as someone else suggested), you'll miss it. this addon lets you change the sound for the fish on (i have mine set to the DING! noise that happens when the pockets turn green) and put a bigger visual on the screen that lasts longer. i have mine set to that a giant red hook pops up in the middle of the screen. i can see it out of the corner of my eye even if i'm watching tv and miss the sound.

I like that addon. Must have on PC for anyone who is easily distracted.

On XBox, where I have the volume turned down to avoid disturbing the other inmates here in the Elsonso house, I often miss the pull back of the rod and I am actually looking at the screen. Sometimes, the positioning of the camera is bad.

Thoriorz · May 24

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hello everyone,

We want to take a moment to address an enforcement action regarding the use of unauthorized third-party software in our game. We recently took action against 57 accounts found using unauthorized third-party software—specifically, a program known as "FishyBot" or "FishyBot ESO"—to automate gameplay. These accounts have been permanently banned following a thorough investigation by our Safety Team.

We want to remind everyone, that the use of bots, scripts, automation tools, or unapproved third-party software for The Elder Scrolls Online is a direct violation of our Terms of Service and Code of Conduct. We are committed to maintaining a fair and secure environment for all players and will continue to monitor and enforce these policies.

We appreciate those who play fairly and help keep the game enjoyable for everyone. If you suspect a violation of our rules, please report it from in-game or our help portal: https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/#en/home/category/28.

So automation tools, how about for example these addons:
https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1346-DolgubonsLazyWritCrafter.html

https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1605-WritWorthy.html ?

I believe the vast majority of people use it, just in terms of its features, automatic crafting and other things, is this illegal or?
Because this will do various craft things in the game instead of you so practically it's what you're writing about "automation tool", so tomorrow 90% of players get banned or is this ok?

Vonnegut2506 · May 24

I love how everyone immediately goes into full hyperbole mode trying to exonerate those poor, innocent botters. "Well, if I hold down the W key on my keyboard my guy keeps running, is ZOS going to ban me for that?" I would imagine those 57 people that were banned knew what they were doing, no matter what they will try and claim in a public forum.

hafjoldr · May 24

Thoriorz wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hello everyone,

We want to take a moment to address an enforcement action regarding the use of unauthorized third-party software in our game. We recently took action against 57 accounts found using unauthorized third-party software—specifically, a program known as "FishyBot" or "FishyBot ESO"—to automate gameplay. These accounts have been permanently banned following a thorough investigation by our Safety Team.

We want to remind everyone, that the use of bots, scripts, automation tools, or unapproved third-party software for The Elder Scrolls Online is a direct violation of our Terms of Service and Code of Conduct. We are committed to maintaining a fair and secure environment for all players and will continue to monitor and enforce these policies.

We appreciate those who play fairly and help keep the game enjoyable for everyone. If you suspect a violation of our rules, please report it from in-game or our help portal: https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/#en/home/category/28.

So automation tools, how about for example these addons:
https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1346-DolgubonsLazyWritCrafter.html

https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1605-WritWorthy.html ?

I believe the vast majority of people use it, just in terms of its features, automatic crafting and other things, is this illegal or?
Because this will do various craft things in the game instead of you so practically it's what you're writing about "automation tool", so tomorrow 90% of players get banned or is this ok?

It's fine to use addons, because they use the API ZOS provides for precisely that purpose, and only that API. The problem with third party software is that it can go outside of the bounds of what the API provides.

As a rule of thumb, if it relies on a .exe or .dll file or some other code injection method, and edits, changes or otherwise alters the game with functionality not provided by ZOS to work, don't use it.

Tandor · May 24

Erickson9610 wrote: »

A fishing bot to automate fishing? I think fishing in general should be updated to have a more engaging minigame — something that can't be automated and which requires the player to pay closer attention to the game.

There are tons of examples of fun fishing minigames in various video games — ESO's fishing is extremely basic and encourages botting. A fishing update in general to add new fishing rods or animations as Customized Actions would be great.

A lot of players enjoy the fishing system the way it is, and don't feel the need to cheat in it. The question of whether there are ways it could be enhanced shouldn't be used in the context of understanding why a few people do cheat.

scrappy1342 · May 24

Thoriorz wrote: »

So automation tools, how about for example these addons:
https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1346-DolgubonsLazyWritCrafter.html

https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1605-WritWorthy.html ?

I believe the vast majority of people use it, just in terms of its features, automatic crafting and other things, is this illegal or?
Because this will do various craft things in the game instead of you so practically it's what you're writing about "automation tool", so tomorrow 90% of players get banned or is this ok?

honestly i've never understood either. i would think it falls under scripts, which they say you can't use either. but i feel like the main difference here is that lazy crafter is using your own materials to make things. it's not pulling those resources from the world where there is competition from other players.

silky_soft · May 24

Thoriorz wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hello everyone,

We want to take a moment to address an enforcement action regarding the use of unauthorized third-party software in our game. We recently took action against 57 accounts found using unauthorized third-party software—specifically, a program known as "FishyBot" or "FishyBot ESO"—to automate gameplay. These accounts have been permanently banned following a thorough investigation by our Safety Team.

We want to remind everyone, that the use of bots, scripts, automation tools, or unapproved third-party software for The Elder Scrolls Online is a direct violation of our Terms of Service and Code of Conduct. We are committed to maintaining a fair and secure environment for all players and will continue to monitor and enforce these policies.

We appreciate those who play fairly and help keep the game enjoyable for everyone. If you suspect a violation of our rules, please report it from in-game or our help portal: https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/#en/home/category/28.

So automation tools, how about for example these addons:
https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1346-DolgubonsLazyWritCrafter.html

https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1605-WritWorthy.html ?

I believe the vast majority of people use it, just in terms of its features, automatic crafting and other things, is this illegal or?
Because this will do various craft things in the game instead of you so practically it's what you're writing about "automation tool", so tomorrow 90% of players get banned or is this ok?

Yea those ones always make me laugh. As long as you use the games own tools to make automations it's ok. Wish I was applied enough to learn to make an addon to the API full capacity. Imagine the private addons people have.

Grizzbeorn · May 24

scrappy1342 wrote: »

Thoriorz wrote: »

So automation tools, how about for example these addons:
https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1346-DolgubonsLazyWritCrafter.html

https://www.esoui.com/downloads/info1605-WritWorthy.html ?

I believe the vast majority of people use it, just in terms of its features, automatic crafting and other things, is this illegal or?
Because this will do various craft things in the game instead of you so practically it's what you're writing about "automation tool", so tomorrow 90% of players get banned or is this ok?

honestly i've never understood either. i would think it falls under scripts, which they say you can't use either. but i feel like the main difference here is that lazy crafter is using your own materials to make things. it's not pulling those resources from the world where there is competition from other players.

Scripts are developed outside of the API that ZOS provides for creating add-ons.
Add-ons are allowed because of that; scripts are not.

Snamyap · May 24

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

We want to remind everyone, that the use of bots, scripts, automation tools, or unapproved third-party software for The Elder Scrolls Online is a direct violation of our Terms of Service and Code of Conduct.

Not that I would use any but is there a list of approved third-party software? I assume add ons aren't considered third-party software.

G0K4R · May 25

Snamyap wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

We want to remind everyone, that the use of bots, scripts, automation tools, or unapproved third-party software for The Elder Scrolls Online is a direct violation of our Terms of Service and Code of Conduct.

Not that I would use any but is there a list of approved third-party software? I assume add ons aren't considered third-party software.

Again: No. Addons are totally fine.