Banned from Online Game for Use of Third Party Automated Software

**Zeelo** · 06-28-2012, 02:31 PM

My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: Indiana
I'm pretty sure this is the right topic and sorry if I'm wrong but I need people better at legal matters then myself for some help in this.
Pretty much after purchasing a game/software from an online seller (Steam) I was banned a few months later and restricted of most of the use of the software with them still having my money. I'm just posting this because I don't usually get much money and that's practically $60 wasted to me if they can take what I bought away and not have to give a reason. I looked in the user agreement, specifically at 2.E. and 5, and I was following the rules as far as personal use and cheating go but I was running some 3rd party software that I'm guessing was picked up because I was banned. When I've tried to contact them they gave me pre-written messages and then discontinued talking altogether when I started questioning there software VAC as a banishment that CANT in any way be lifted. I was just wondering if they can do these things and if it is a breech of an agreement? Sorry not so familiar with law but any thoughts are appreciated!

User-Agreement Page (that has 2.E. and 5.): http://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/

Additionally, when cheating is defined and said is an unfair advantage, would two in-game parties with cheating software be technically considered equal? In terms of fairness

**Mr. Knowitall** · 06-29-2012, 11:17 PM

Can an online game company terminate your account for violating their terms of service? Yes, they can.

Your automated software appears to fall under the definition of "Cheats" - "software or hardware processes or functionality that may give a player an unfair competitive advantage when playing multiplayer versions of any Software, other Valve products, or modifications thereof".

I am not sure what you mean by, "would two in-game parties with cheating software be technically considered equal". If you cheat as defined by the contract, one incident of cheating is still cheating.

**flyingron** · 06-30-2012, 04:35 AM

An in fact, they don't even need a reason in most cases to terminate you.

**Zeelo** · 06-30-2012, 07:52 PM

ok, just didn't know, and what i meant by 2 teams of a multiplayer game with 1+ hackers on each team, it would technically even it out if its a game of skills right? kinda unfair advantage -> void. Thanks.