April 26, 2024
I was banned from several popular games by Activision, despite not playing them.
I wanted to share this story publicly, just in case anyone else finds themself in the same situation and wonders if they have gone crazy.
It’s not you, it’s Activision.
One way I keep in touch with old friends is through multiplayer games. I’m pretty awful at most games, but teaming up with a friend and chatting while losing terribly is still pretty fun.
I was excited to jump back into a game after a 1.5 year-long break, due to a surgery and a sleepless newborn. However, when I booted up Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 for the first time on the ol’ Xbox, I was unable to connect to any online services.
I logged into my Activision account to file a support ticket and learned that I was already banned from this game, along with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty: Warzone.
Obviously, this was a mistake, and I was glad to see that there was an appeal process. I figured I’d simply explain that there was some kind of error and get my account back on good terms.
I submitted my appeal, explaining that not only have I not played these games, but also that I only play on an Xbox console. I have no idea how to cheat or modify game files, which I assume is mostly a problem with PC players. Seriously, I’m an old man with an Xbox.
Within hours, I received this canned response:
Your appeal has been reviewed and we've confirmed with our security team that your account has been permanently banned for using unauthorized software and manipulation of game data. As you were the account holder at the time of infraction, your ban will not be overturned.
To preserve the integrity of our security systems and detection methods, this is the only information our policy allows us to share regarding your case. This decision is final and your case is now closed. In case you are currently playing any other Activision titles and for future reference, please avoid any of these types of violations to keep your account in good standing.
Activision Support
This email was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming email. Please do not reply to this message.
Your account has been permanently banned
This decision is final and your case is now closed.
Done. Over. Final. No discussion!
There’s no way to contact a human at Activision, either. I scoured the website, it’s impossible.
I have no idea why they would accuse me of “using unauthorized software and manipulation of game data.” I have a standard issue Xbox One console, purchased new. Nobody else uses it.
My false ban by Activision is one of the most rude and insulting customer support experiences I’ve had, especially given that I’ve had this account for 17 years.
Imagine if your favorite neighborhood restaurant — one you’ve been visiting for over a decade — suddenly accused you of stealing, banned you from the premises, and refused to speak to you about the accusation.
Sure, you can always go eat somewhere else, but that’s not the point.
Falsely accusing longtime customers of cheating or other unethical behavior, punishing them, and then refusing to talk is just … an extremely shitty way to treat them.
Activision’s banning system is somehow mistakenly banning lots of people, and Activision refuses to acknowledge it.
After my experience, I found several examples of others in the same situation:
If Activision ever makes this right, I’ll happily update this post. For now, I’m still banned.
