EA Makes Nice With Banned Players

[Metalrocks]

now they are nice to banned people who purchased their games in an honest way. i guess they dint like to be the worst company after all.

had to get my self origin because of ME3. so far no complains. it works and dint had any problems with it but i still hate ?A.
i even got my self later on BF3 but i wish i would have never touched this game. this game is broken. constant connection crashes, extreme long loading times and their network is slow. i can shoot 10 aimed bullets at a guy from 2m and maybe half of my fired bullets hit. i got more upset with it then with COD. will never touche it again.

im never ever buy a game again with a ?A logo on it.

 

[Jodah]

The only good news is bad news.

People are still going to hate anyway, it's not Steam.

Which is why people will ***** about this move.

"Hey guys, we're being less douchey to our customers."

"WAAAAAAAAAAAH YOU SUCK!"

The problem is while this is an improvement it is still shit. It's basically saying "Okay, we won't shit on your toast anymore but we're still going to piss in your cornflakes." I won't argue that isn't an improvement but that doesn't mean I will enjoy my breakfast.

 

[JoesshittyOs]

I'm not gonna waste any breath. For the most part, it takes a good bit of being an idiot to get banned.

But still, I think it's only a good thing that they fixed that issue. It's one thing to get banned, but when you can't even play the games that you bought, I think there's an issue.

 

[Krantos]

I'm legitimately surprised by this.

I feel this system should have been in place to begin with, but I can't really make any negative remarks to EA about this step.

If anything, I think we should applaud EA. We need to let them know that positive steps in these areas will be rewarded. Give them a reason to keep making changes like this.

I want to play Battlefield 3. I want to play BioWare games. But I refuse to while Origin still invades my privacy without asking. I want EA to be a company I can buy games from again.

This is a step in the right direction and as such I applaud them for this.

 

[Signa]

Noooo!!! Now I have one less genuine thing to hate about Origin!

Joking aside, I'm glad to hear that EA's head isn't quite so far up their ass that they can't hear us shouting.

 

[major_chaos]

I probably in the extreme minority here, but I actually like this system. People being banned from their games entirely was overkill but banning from online seems just right, because if you can't bring yourself to not be an asshole on the forums then it seems likely that you will act like an asshole in online games.

 

[Flailing Escapist]

Oh my god! People don't like something! They must be taking it too far! All of them! Eeeeeeee!

Oh ho but for reals, everybody - it's really, really funny (don't you think so?). It's what they should've done to begin with, amirite? Doing it after they've been named worst american company of the year doesn't mean they've turned a new leaf or that it's weak apology. It just means they're a little late on the ball and maybe that Origins was rushed out a little quick.

Still... lol

 

[Zenode]

and software that collects user data [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112559-Internet-Explodes-Over-Origins-Invasion-of-Privacy] without asking first.

Stop spreading mis-information or at least do a little more research before you post stuff like this, seriously, EVERY other gaming website has commented on EA changing its EULA, but nope not the Escapist.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/ea-revises-origin-eula-data-collection-is-still-in-collection/
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/ea-revises-origins-eula-to-make-it-sound-decidedly-less-sinister/3624/
http://au.gamespot.com/news/ea-changes-origin-eula-6331203
http://au.pc.gamespy.com/articles/119/1191030p1.html
http://forums.electronicarts.co.uk/battlefield-3/1419690-origins-eula-has-been-updated.html

They DO, do data collection, but for god sakes most websites and software does that already.

You have google chrome? They data collect
You have facebook? They data collect
You use the google search engine? They data collect
You use hotmail or any free email service? They data collect.

Honestly, at this point I think its just hating EA for the sake of hating EA.

 

[Aeonknight]

and software that collects user data [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112559-Internet-Explodes-Over-Origins-Invasion-of-Privacy] without asking first.

Stop spreading mis-information or at least do a little more research before you post stuff like this, seriously, EVERY other gaming website has commented on EA changing its EULA, but nope not the Escapist.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/ea-revises-origin-eula-data-collection-is-still-in-collection/
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/ea-revises-origins-eula-to-make-it-sound-decidedly-less-sinister/3624/
http://au.gamespot.com/news/ea-changes-origin-eula-6331203
http://au.pc.gamespy.com/articles/119/1191030p1.html
http://forums.electronicarts.co.uk/battlefield-3/1419690-origins-eula-has-been-updated.html

They DO, do data collection, but for god sakes most websites and software does that already.

You have google chrome? They data collect
You have facebook? They data collect
You use the google search engine? They data collect
You use hotmail or any free email service? They data collect.

Honestly, at this point I think its just hating EA for the sake of hating EA.

And pretty much hit the nail on the head with that last point. It's kinda sad actually.

 

[Aeonknight]

Wow seriously? So because you post something that they don't like on their online forums they have the right to keep you from a product you paid for? How does, me being mean on their forums have anything to do with me playing I dunno 'need for speed grand pursuit three' or what ever?

On another forum I'm on a user got his entire EA account banned for two weeks over a name violation that stemmed from a rant he made on the EA forums. EA notified him of the ToS name violation and claimed they would allowhim the opportunity to correct it. He went to log in and make the appropriate hanges 15 minutes after the notification email only to find that they banned him. It took him countless hours sitting on hold talking to rep after rep, sending in at least two dozen emails before someone at EA finally decided to unlock his account. In the mean time he couldnt play any of his games even the offline modes since he couldn't even log into Origin.

And it happened to all of one guy who threw a fit about it on the internet, so now you parade it around like it's the definitive experience for the other 99% of the people using Origin.

I'm sure if you google it you can find the same damn thing happening to a Steam user. Or any company actually. But we'll just keep shuffling those examples under the carpet so you can continue to justify your rage.

here's a little perspective for you:
http://www.gamespot.com/forums/topic/26833920
http://forums.impulsedriven.com/372261

 

[008Zulu_v1legacy]

Stop spreading mis-information or at least do a little more research before you post stuff like this, seriously, EVERY other gaming website has commented on EA changing its EULA, but nope not the Escapist.

That link they provided, points to how they first had Origin raid your entire computer. In the context of the article, it was further demonstrating how very little E.A cares about their "valued" customers.

With the right apps installed, you can block the web based services ability to collect personal data, no such option with Origin. The Eula may have had its wording changed, but if you can decipher the legalese, it states that it is still raiding your computer.

 

[Zenode]

Stop spreading mis-information or at least do a little more research before you post stuff like this, seriously, EVERY other gaming website has commented on EA changing its EULA, but nope not the Escapist.

That link they provided, points to how they first had Origin raid your entire computer. In the context of the article, it was further demonstrating how very little E.A cares about their "valued" customers.

With the right apps installed, you can block the web based services ability to collect personal data, no such option with Origin. The Eula may have had its wording changed, but if you can decipher the legalese, it states that it is still raiding your computer.

But how many people do you think have those apps installed that have got outraged over this??? I'm guessing at tops 5%

And that used the present tense, as in they STILL have it. Their EULA before was very broad and basically said they could raid your computer for anything and everything, now its changed to essentially what hardware and software you are using (which again most everything does now anyway).

 

[ph0b0s123]

and software that collects user data [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112559-Internet-Explodes-Over-Origins-Invasion-of-Privacy] without asking first.

Stop spreading mis-information or at least do a little more research before you post stuff like this, seriously, EVERY other gaming website has commented on EA changing its EULA, but nope not the Escapist.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/ea-revises-origin-eula-data-collection-is-still-in-collection/
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/ea-revises-origins-eula-to-make-it-sound-decidedly-less-sinister/3624/
http://au.gamespot.com/news/ea-changes-origin-eula-6331203
http://au.pc.gamespy.com/articles/119/1191030p1.html
http://forums.electronicarts.co.uk/battlefield-3/1419690-origins-eula-has-been-updated.html

They DO, do data collection, but for god sakes most websites and software does that already.

You have google chrome? They data collect
You have facebook? They data collect
You use the google search engine? They data collect
You use hotmail or any free email service? They data collect.

Honestly, at this point I think its just hating EA for the sake of hating EA.

The poster was wrong to say 'collects user data without asking first', as that is inaccurate. The TOS says data collection is a mandatory part of the service. That is enough to get mad about though.

The Escapist did report the EULA change though. And that change, 'now we may not sell the info we get from you, to third parties'. Big deal. They still collect hardware and software data as a MANDATORY part of the service. The actual thing people are pissed about.

And as per usual with one of these posts, out comes the false equivalences, to say everyone else is doing it so why hate on EA.

You want to tell me where any of the other services you mentioned collect data about your computer systems hardware, software and software usage, with some proof to back it up. The fact is stuff like facebook collects data from the info you give them voluntarily or Google collects data from searches you give them. They collect data from info you give them voluntarily as part of the service. Everything else is stopped by a simple cookie blocker, it does not result in not being able to use their service. EA are doing something others have yet to do and are moving the line.

That is collecting data which has nothing to do with the service you provide, i.e distribution of games. System and other software info from the system you are playing the game on, is immaterial and none of EA's business. They may want to know it so they can make better games, in which case as the community for it as Steam does.

The real point is none of these companies should be doing what they are doing. Them doing it should not be used as an excuse for others to do similar things or push the line even further.

So no you need to do a bit more research first. And as far as hating on EA, I have brought games from them for the past 20 years, happily, and will do so again as soon as they make this collection optional as it is with Steam.

But whatever, please feel free to use a service that bans you for installing better textures for your game.

as above

And pretty much hit the nail on the head with that last point. It's kinda sad actually.

See comment above...

now they are nice to banned people who purchased their games in an honest way. i guess they dint like to be the worst company after all.

had to get my self origin because of ME3. so far no complains. it works and dint had any problems with it but i still hate ?A.
i even got my self later on BF3 but i wish i would have never touched this game. this game is broken. constant connection crashes, extreme long loading times and their network is slow. i can shoot 10 aimed bullets at a guy from 2m and maybe half of my fired bullets hit. i got more upset with it then with COD. will never touche it again.

im never ever buy a game again with a ?A logo on it.

Given your past record of caving and buying games from a company you despise, I don't think your threat actually carries much weight.

EDITED somewhat....

 

[008Zulu_v1legacy]

But how many people do you think have those apps installed that have got outraged over this??? I'm guessing at tops 5%

And that used the present tense, as in they STILL have it. Their EULA before was very broad and basically said they could raid your computer for anything and everything, now its changed to essentially what hardware and software you are using (which again most everything does now anyway).

My guess is that even people who don't have the web browser apps installed are upset over E.A's disregard for personal privacy laws.

what hardware and software you are using

E.A has been a rather staunch supporter of DRM and anti-piracy movements. You don't think they wont snoop around your hard drive for any software that may or may not be legal? Piracy issues aside, how secure do you think this will leave your system? Not everyone remembers Sony's rootkit virus that was responsible for thousands of peoples' security being compromised and their computers trashed.

 

[LadyRhian]

aka "Because we still want your money!"

 

[Antari]

Ya this basically is just a way to squeeze a few extra dollars out of people they have already stolen from. But if any of the people they unban are dumb enough to then send EA any money, well they get what they deserve.

 

[idarkphoenixi]

This and the other front page thread about EA firing 10% of it's work force is one large step to seeing them collapse altogether. At the very least, it shows that they are in deep financial troubles.

Keep hoping, gentlemen. We might actually see the demise of this company

 

[Firia]

I'm still not interested in Origin. These cats are lucky they have Bioware, otherwise they probably wouldn't see a dime outta me.

 

[Sexy Devil]

*deleted*

 

[faefrost]

"While this may be a good, reasonable step towards better customer service, EA probably has a long way to go to work off the stigma of being crowned "Worst Company in America". Furthermore, its Origin service has several issues of its own, like a terms of service that forbids class action lawsuits and software that collects user data without asking first."

This isn't a reasonable action to improve Customer Service. It was a quiet backdoor run to try and stave off litigation for fraud.Their existing policy had huge legal exposure not just from the supposedly forbidden class action lawsuits, but also from actions resulting from complaints to State Attorney General's offices or various other government (US and otherwise) consumer protection agencies. At it's heart EA was taking back product that customers had legitimately purchased for really shaky reasons and virtually no legal standing. To actually put it before a court would have threatened much of EA and the entire industries byzantine claims regarding ownership, licensing and eula's.