starkerealm wrote: »

SiegeMerchant wrote: »

Runs wrote: »

lordrichter wrote: »

Runs wrote: »

At this point I think @ZOS_JessicaFolsom or @ZOS_GinaBruno needs to come in here and make an official statement. Jessica's is 3 years old and both responses seem to be more about inventory management.


Running 12 accounts at the same time while one does all the work, level the other 11 and getting 11 extra drops is not quite the same thing. Allowing this is allowing gold and account sellers to openly do business.

At this point, unless the image at the top of this thread is a fraud, there is little reason for them to come in here and repeat something that was said, and is apparently unchanged, since 2015.

Except someone was just banned for doing exactly what I mentioned.

that ban its just coincidence, usually ZOs didnt ban for that, looks like alot ppl reported him
same as my friend back in 2014 was banned because he had too many Kuta's in inventory
he was re-seller, zos said its exploitation of economy and banned him
but its just 1 example, very rare, and typically based on human error, zos support staff also not robots and they have their opinion

If that was their metric, ZOS would have banned @Inklings ages ago. If your friend was banned for "having too many Kutas," in 2014, it was because they were egregiously abusing the duplication glitch at launch, not because they were flipping them.

I've had discussions with customer service about inventory irregularities. They can (usually) see where your stuff is coming from. The only way your friend would have run afoul of them is if the items didn't legitimately enter their inventory.

i will ask him to find an email from zos if he still keep it
it was well-known EU sorc, Metalxead

SiegeMerchant wrote: »

you can alt-tab
autorun, and other things
if you fast enough heck you can fight with two account as well lol xD

I'd like to see video of this being done effectively (for curiosity's sake, not trying to get anyone banned), considering the game throws up on itself regularly when in combat with just one character now.

Sadly, I realize said video probably won't get produced for the obvious potential fallout that would ensue.

They still need to expand on this a bit though, because currently it doesn't cover things like idle grouping (for loot or leveling purposes). Whether they care, or whether they don't, the user base shouldn't have to guess or interpret.

Mystrius_Archaion wrote: »

SiegeMerchant wrote: »

i think we can stop debates now
i got an answer



you also need to check this thread, @Epona222
@Exstazik

Except, controlling them all with one keyboard and mouse/gamepad for identical actions at the exact same time would be the only reason I could ever possibly want to do multiple accounts. If you're not doing that then you just paid for extra accounts as bank/trader mules or a one time guild formation.

For reference, I remember years ago people openly posting about, and it being allowed by the developers, multi-boxing World of Warcraft to run group content controlling multiple characters with one keyboard and mouse. They allowed it because it takes money to setup, of course with it usually requiring practically a separate computer for each instance of the game, and some amount of skill to play effectively with everything vulnerable to one AoE.

I just wish there were NPCs we could hire for our group so I could solo group content like we had back in Guild Wars 1.

Or for extra character slots, whether in order to have additional characters beyond the account limit as I do in ESO, or to run a couple of characters together with separate controls as I have done in other games. It's not remotely necessary to have a single set of controls and identical actions in order to have fun running a couple of characters through say a dungeon. It used to be mighty challenging, but it was great fun. I wouldn't attempt it in ESO, however.

Runs wrote: »

At this point I think @ZOS_JessicaFolsom or @ZOS_GinaBruno needs to come in here and make an official statement. Jessica's is 3 years old and both responses seem to be more about inventory management.


Running 12 accounts at the same time while one does all the work, level the other 11 and getting 11 extra drops is not quite the same thing. Allowing this is allowing gold and account sellers to openly do business.

Please review the Terms of Service for any of your questions or concerns. Please also understand the following:

Multiboxing is NOT allowed in The Elder Scrolls Online in any of its forms, whether software- or hardware-based. Any accounts found to be multiboxing will be considered in violation of our Terms of Service and actioned swiftly and decisively, up to the permanent deactivation of the account along with any other associated accounts. To be clear, players are welcome to have multiple accounts. However, using hardware or software to play them all at the same time is not allowed on any ESO service.

Multiboxing is the practice of playing multiple accounts simultaneously, including, but not limited to using either hardware or software to facilitate the coordination between the accounts. This violates the intended nature of the gameplay mechanics we've created for ESO

Customer response on
Hi! I want to clarify some moments in ToS.As i know Multiboxing is NOT allowed in The Elder Scrolls Online.Does logging is the same as playing?Does LOGGING on multiple account will be Multiboxing?May i group multiple accounts in game and use them to farm mobs and get loot in such maner:Kill with one account manually and loot with others manualy*NOTE all accounts will be logging in game?

So first off let's look at the different methods of multi-boxing.

Multiboxing is the use of multiple computers or multiple open game windows (boxes) to play multiple characters in a game at the same time.

1. The manual spider. Uses multiple computers and peripherals (mice and keyboards) to run multiple characters at the same time. Essentially this is like when your significant other has to leave the room and you bounce back and forth between computers trying to run each toon to the next location so he/she doesn't fall behind until they get back. The difference here is it is for an extended period of time and very inefficient. However, some people have become relatively skilled in doing so.

2. The hardware boxer. Usually uses some form of KVM switch to broadcast keyboard and mouse input to all computers. (I wish I could find the old picture of someone who taped 5 mice together with chopsticks.)

3. Software boxer. Generally uses a simple software tool that broadcasts any peripheral input to all specified application windows. Specific white or blacklists can be created to accept or block specific keys or input from each individual open application.

While some broadcasting or muti-boxing software suites do have the capability to use scripting (from tiny scripting of macros to full out bot program scripting) most decent multi-boxers avoid programs with those capabilities like the plague.

The golden rule for multi-boxers is 1:1. Meaning 1 keystroke =1 action on 1 or more toons. If I hit the 2 key then one or even all toons use the in-game action that sits in the 2 position on the hot bar. No more no less. Remember all the software or hardware is doing is broadcasting an individual keystroke to all specified applications.

For the purpose of this discussion, I will be using software assisted multi-boxing as the example. I personally don't believe ZOS really cares about the manual spider who is "filling in" for their significant other.



Now onto the Rules:

The term Multiboxing (multi-boxing, multibox or multi-box) is nowhere in the ToS, CoC, or EULA and is not "specifically" addressed by any of them.

There are however three places where ZOS addresses the use of "third party software" and places "catch-all" phrases in order to leave room for their own interpretation at any future date.

TOS - https://account.elderscrollsonline.com/terms-of-service#_EN_Toc_08

9. Your Use of the Services

You further agree not to access, create, or provide any other means through which the Services, including, but not limited to, any Game(s), may be used or accessed by others, such as through server emulators.

You may not participate, take part in, initiate, or engage in actions that impose an unreasonable or disproportionate load on the infrastructure hosting the Game(s) and/or Services.

You agree not to use any hardware or software or any other method of support that is not authorized by ZeniMax or that may in any way influence or advantage Your playing abilities, or influence or advantage Your use of the Services. Third party tools, the use of "bots", "speed hacks", "deep-link", "page-scrape", "robot", "spider", algorithms or other programs that copy or monitor any part of the Services (including, but not limited to, the Game(s) and/or forums), software that transmits, manipulates, or distributes (including, but are limited to, "mirroring") the data stream or any aspect of the Services to another computer, server websites or other publication or distribution media, or software that permits You to use Services without human input are examples of methods not authorized by ZeniMax.

Let's take a look into these:

You agree not to use any hardware or software or any other method of support that is not authorized by ZeniMax or that may in any way influence or advantage Your playing abilities, or influence or advantage Your use of the Services.

^This is the catch-all. This means ZOS has the final say in what provides or doesn't provide an advantage or influence on your gameplay, NOT YOU. Just because a particular hardware or software method isn't listed and/or YOU don't feel like it provides an advantage does not mean ZOS can't ban you for it. They made the game it's their house, their rules.

Third party tools, the use of "bots", "speed hacks", "deep-link", "page-scrape", "robot", "spider", algorithms or other programs that copy or monitor any part of the Services (including, but not limited to, the Game(s) and/or forums), software that transmits, manipulates, or distributes (including, but are limited to, "mirroring") the data stream or any aspect of the Services to another computer, server websites or other publication or distribution media, or software that permits You to use Services without human input are examples of methods not authorized by ZeniMax.

1. Third party tools,that copy or monitor any part of the Services

Multiboxing (i.e. keystroke broadcasting) does not perform this.


2. software that transmits, manipulates, or distributes (including, but are limited to, "mirroring") the data stream or any aspect of the Services to another computer, server websites or other publication or distribution media,

Keystroke broadcasting does not transmit, manipulate or distribute the data stream or any aspect of the services provided by Zenimax. It only broadcasts keystrokes from the peripherals to all specified applications (i.e. open game windows). Multiboxing software does not "mirror" the data coming from the data stream.


3. or software that permits You to use Services without human input are examples of methods not authorized by ZeniMax.

Remember what I said about that 1:1 ratio. 1 input =1 output on each toon. Botting scripts can run endless actions off one keystroke and be set to repeat in a loop. Macros provide more than one action for each individual input. Keystroke broadcasting does not.


CoC - https://account.elderscrollsonline.com/code-of-conduct

5. Security

5.1 Users are forbidden from using any unapproved third party applications, programs, scripts or any other game modifying mechanic used to change the game play experience on a ZeniMax Game, Service, forum, or other games or services provided by ZeniMax, including the distribution of said programs via ZeniMax services, sites, forums, communities, etc. This would include but is not limited to using or distributing speed hacks, aim bots, mouse controllers, spam bots, automated game play devices, etc. Third party applications are defined as any program, application or script written by an individual, company, corporation, or private party not employed by or contracted to perform services by ZeniMax.

This

Users are forbidden from using any unapproved third party applications, programs, scripts or any other game modifying mechanic used to change the game play experience on a ZeniMax Game, Service, forum, or other games or services provided by ZeniMax, including the distribution of said programs via ZeniMax services, sites, forums, communities, etc.

in conjunction with this

Third party applications are defined as any program, application or script written by an individual, company, corporation, or private party not employed by or contracted to perform services by ZeniMax.

is the catch-all.

While keystroke broadcasting does not in anyway "modify" the game any more than using the operating systems of Windows, XBox, Playstation or Mac. ZOS has specified any game modifying mechanic used to change the "game play experience". That means that yes if they really truly wanted to they could ban you for playing the game through a specific operating system. Again there is no reason they would do so but is a simple catch-all for future use if required.


EULA - https://account.elderscrollsonline.com/eula

Limitations and Restrictions.

The Game is a Service offered by ZeniMax and is only playable online. A persistent Internet connection (which is not supplied by ZeniMax) is required to play the Game. The Game Client alone without a persistent Internet connection does not give you the right or ability to play the Game. You are responsible for all costs and expenses associated with acquiring any hardware, software (e.g., Internet browsers) or other products or services required to play the Game.

In addition to the restrictions, conditions and limitations set forth in the ZeniMax Terms of Service and the ZeniMax Code of Conduct, the license granted to you in this Agreement is subject to the conditions, restrictions and limitations set forth in Sections 1, 2, and this Section 4 of this Agreement (collectively, the "License Limitations"). Any use of the Game in violation of the License Limitations will be regarded as an infringement of ZeniMax's copyrights in and to the Game and will be a breach of this Agreement. You agree that you will not and will not assist any other person, under any circumstances:

A. in whole or in part, distribute, publicly perform of display, sell, transmit, publish, edit, reproduce, sublicense, rent, lease, loan or otherwise transfer the Game, any related software or content, including without limitation any access keys;

B. in whole or in part, modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, attempt to derive source code from, modify, disassemble, decompile, or create derivative works based on the Game; provided, however, that you may make one (1) copy of the Game Client and the manuals that accompany it for archival purposes only and you may install the relevant Game Client on one or more computers or consoles by you or under your legitimate control as described in Section 1 above;

C. use cheats, automation software (bots), hacks, mods or any other unauthorized third-party software designed to modify the Game or adversely impact any other persons playing of the Game or his/her experience of playing the Game;

D. exploit the Game or any of its parts, including without limitation the Game Client, for any commercial purpose (including without limitation renting, leasing or licensing the Game to others), including without limitation (a) for gathering Virtual Currency (as defined in the ZeniMax Terms of Service), items or resources for sale outside the Game; or (b) performing in-game services in exchange for payment outside the Game, e.g., power-leveling;

E. use any unauthorized third-party software that intercepts, "mines", or otherwise collects information from or through the Game or the Service, including without limitation any software that reads areas of RAM used by the Game to store information about a character or the game environment; provided, however, that ZeniMax may, at its sole and absolute discretion, allow the use of certain third party user interfaces and other third party software;

F. modify or cause to be modified any files that are a part of the Game Client in any way not expressly authorized by ZeniMax;

G.host, provide or develop matchmaking services for the Game or intercept, emulate or redirect the communication protocols used by ZeniMax in any way, for any purpose, including without limitation unauthorized play over the internet, network play, or as part of content aggregation networks; or

H. facilitate, create or maintain any unauthorized connection to the Game or the Service, including without limitation (a) any connection to any unauthorized server that emulates, or attempts to emulate, the Service; and (b) any connection using programs or tools not expressly approved by ZeniMax.

The ONLY part of that which might apply to multiboxing is in paragraph C.

C. use cheats, automation software (bots), hacks, mods or any other unauthorized third-party software designed to modify the Game or adversely impact any other persons playing of the Game or his/her experience of playing the Game;

Keystroke broadcasting does not modify the game so all of the strikethroughs are irrelevant to that subject, however, pay close attention to the catch-all.

ZOS does not specify what exactly a "cheat" is which leaves them open to use that as the identifier of anything they find that "adversely impacts anyone's gameplay experience". It is not YOU, and not even the offended player, who decides what adversely impacts gameplay. That judgement rest entirely with ZOS and their employees.


Even though different employees may interpret the rules differently, and some confusion may occur, as employees they have that right and their say is final. Pitting them against one another really does nothing but draw their aggravation towards the person contesting the initial judgment.

Personal perspective: As far as the idea that multi-boxing provides a completely unbalanced gameplay one must understand that one isn't simply gearing a single toon and performing the functions of multiple toons. Each toon has to be geared for the appropriate content meaning that there is no difference in the "cost" each toon requires to build. A well-organized team of individuals can pool gold and resources to achieve objectives just as effectively without the hindrance of difficulty presented by running multiple toons. For me as an individual, multi-boxing (in other games) simply allowed me the convenience of avoiding the reliance on communities that had become rather offensive. Basically, it allowed me to complete lower group content by myself rather than having to find a group (hate that dungeon queue as DPS). The fact that some builds can complete group content with a single toon and the fact that there is no /follow command in this game only increases the difficulty of multi-boxing and lowers the reward of solo play to the point I find it to be unappealing. Which is probably why I never picked it up here.



TL;DR:


1. Nothing in the ToS, CoC, or EULA specifically identifies or calls attention to multi-boxing. However, they do specifically state that automated scripting (i.e. bots) is against the rules.

2. While multi-boxing is NOT specifically identified as against the rules one must remember that ZOS "makes" the rules and has many catch-all statements that are open to the interpretation and judgment of their individual employees.

3. If you do decide to multi-box you shouldn't use any type of software or hardware that can use scripts or results in more than one action on all characters per individual keystroke.


Most Important!

Never choose to do something that you are unwilling to pay the consequences for even if you may feel those consequences are unjustified. We have covered that while some of the rules can be open to interpretation our interpretation as players truly doesn't matter and it is only ZOS who has the final say.

I.E.: If you aren't prepared for the consequences...don't take the risk.

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

SiegeMerchant wrote: »

you can alt-tab
autorun, and other things
if you fast enough heck you can fight with two account as well lol xD

I'd like to see video of this being done effectively (for curiosity's sake, not trying to get anyone banned), considering the game throws up on itself regularly when in combat with just one character now.

Sadly, I realize said video probably won't get produced for the obvious potential fallout that would ensue.

They still need to expand on this a bit though, because currently it doesn't cover things like idle grouping (for loot or leveling purposes). Whether they care, or whether they don't, the user base shouldn't have to guess or interpret.

You can not get an advantage by any method that is not authorized by ZOS.Which method?Any,just any action in the game even the game mechanics allowed to do so.Why so?Because the last word for ZOS and ignorance is no excuse.
For example: after some update some mob will give you tons of exp or ressurect instanly.If 90% of the players will use it to get an advantage ZOS called it "clever use of game mechanics".They will not ban so much players due to the lost of money.
If this "exploit" was using by 100-1000-10000 players(any amount which ZOS decide will not hurt their profit vey much) then players will get ban.
What about players that just come to MMO and do not know that it's an exploit?As i post " ignorance is no excuse".
From official answer we can run multiple accounts on the same pc and use them for instances.But you can not get multi loot because it's against ToS.
You can log in and log out to collect hirelings,but can not collect them one by one using alt+tab(it's an advantage in time)
You can share quests to your accounts,even group them.But if you complete it while only one do all the job you get an advantage.
So at the end of this.You can get ban/suspend for any action ,even this action yesterday was "ok" and today "not".
P.S.You even may not give gold to someone,only trade for something.Because all virtual currency for personal use(it's also in ToS).

@Aesthier
you forgot about THIS:
https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/23701/kw/multibox

bankira wrote: »

SiegeMerchant wrote: »

i think we can stop debates now
i got an answer



you also need to check this thread, @Epona222
@Exstazik

Thank you ! Now i can 100% get my acc back.

i dont think you can
i just found in the internet that you selling your account for $820
with 32.5 millions gold on it

nice multiboxing, bro
dont tell me it was all handmade job

I'm a little confused, it seems that the official answer and the rule in the eula .give 2 discordant idea about it.
So, just to be sure : if i get 2 accounts and i will use both at the same time to gain exp, from 2 separate pc and without any software interaction(one will move and kill staff, the others just hold in one spot), can i risk to be banned?

Sorry if the answer was already given in some other post, i don't find it and a moderator answer could be very useful to avoid any misunderstanding.
Thanks

This had to be revived because why?