Account Selling is 100% against the TOS.... But what about just giving to someone?

AyeshaBelladonna · March 2021

Without a doubt, account selling is against the TOS as it should be.

However, if you have invested thousands of hours into the game and make the decision to leave ( Example: Health reasons. Many of my guilds are older and given the uncertain times have been trying to make 'arrangements' concerning their online families) for good- is just giving it to someone else against the rules?? It would not be Account sharing as I see it because it would not be getting used by more than one person.

The new owner would, of course, go in and change everything for security reasons so they have 100% ownership then. Is that a viable option? Obviously I'm sure it is preferred that people buy their own copy new, but is it actually against the rules?

Would appreciate official word from a ZOS rep on this as it seems to be a real grey area and I would love to have an official word to tell my guilds asking about it. Sure there is always 'don't ask, don't tell' but no one wants to be underhanded about it or anything, they just don't want their accounts to go to waste if they can't play anymore.

Thanks for any clarification you can give!

redspecter23 · March 2021

According to the database on their website, it's the sharing of account information that is the TOS violation. That would mean that if anyone gives up their password to someone else for any reason, even if no money is involved, it would be subject to actions, including potentially banning. At least that's how it reads to me.

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/29560/kw/tos

AyeshaBelladonna · March 2021

redspecter23 wrote: »

According to the database on their website, it's the sharing of account information that is the TOS violation. That would mean that if anyone gives up their password to someone else for any reason, even if no money is involved, it would be subject to actions, including potentially banning. At least that's how it reads to me.

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/29560/kw/tos

I suppose, but surely there would be a possible way to 'formally' hand it over that ZOS could allow? It just seems a shame otherwise to let them go to waste. Some of our members get invested in their characters and would like to think of them still "off adventuring", you know? It probably seems silly... but this last year has really made some folks think.

etchedpixels · March 2021

redspecter23 wrote: »

According to the database on their website, it's the sharing of account information that is the TOS violation. That would mean that if anyone gives up their password to someone else for any reason, even if no money is involved, it would be subject to actions, including potentially banning. At least that's how it reads to me.

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/29560/kw/tos

In which case you can type in the old password, and they can type in the new one - problem solved

More seriously: "ZeniMax hereby grants, and you hereby accept, a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive license ". In other words you can't transfer your copy of the game (except where local laws make such an agreement void - which UsedSoft GmbH v. Oracle International Corp. in the EU may do but ask an actual copyright lawyer). If someone buys a new copy can they tie it back to the same account login ?

I agree it would be a nice option but I imagine if they did probably don't have a snowball buddy in hell's chance of being able to tell a transfer, from an account sale from a user relocation unless it's a commercial operation who keep transferring accounts.

AyeshaBelladonna · March 2021

etchedpixels wrote: »

redspecter23 wrote: »

According to the database on their website, it's the sharing of account information that is the TOS violation. That would mean that if anyone gives up their password to someone else for any reason, even if no money is involved, it would be subject to actions, including potentially banning. At least that's how it reads to me.

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/29560/kw/tos

In which case you can type in the old password, and they can type in the new one - problem solved

More seriously: "ZeniMax hereby grants, and you hereby accept, a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive license ". In other words you can't transfer your copy of the game (except where local laws make such an agreement void - which UsedSoft GmbH v. Oracle International Corp. in the EU may do but ask an actual copyright lawyer). If someone buys a new copy can they tie it back to the same account login ?

I agree it would be a nice option but I imagine if they did probably don't have a snowball buddy in hell's chance of being able to tell a transfer, from an account sale from a user relocation unless it's a commercial operation who keep transferring accounts.

Ahhh thats a good point. The 'non-transferable license' thing might be an issue... but in that respect I know a couple folks that would gladly buy a new base game copy in order to keep the accounts alive. Def would raise the issue of "gifted" account vs 'Sold' account though wouldn't it? Rats. I guess chances are not good then. I guess I overlooked that part when re-reading trying to find them answers.