We’ve recently taken action against a large number of World of Warcraft accounts that were found to be using third-party programs that automate gameplay, known as “bots.” As a part of this action, we have removed various currencies and inventory from these accounts including, but not limited to, gold, PvP currencies, and gear. The penalty for those identified as repeat offenders has also been increased.

We’re committed to providing an equal and fair playing field for everyone in World of Warcraft, and will continue to take action against those found in violation of our Terms of Use. Cheating of any form will not be tolerated.

If you believe that you’ve encountered a player abusing a bot, exploit, or cheat, please let us know! You can do so by using the right-click report functionality in the game, and/or by emailing information to Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.

So, here’s the thing.

Through various studies (conducted both here at Blizzard and by other companies/groups), and by monitoring player behavior, we’ve discovered that suspensions are actually more effective than permabans for preventing repeat offenses by the same people.

There’s some really interesting sociological hocus pocus behind it, but from what I understand, the TLDR is that if a botter gets permabanned, they’ll often just buy a new account and go right back to botting. However, if we only suspend them — meaning, they’ll get their account back later — they’re less likely to buy a new one. Furthermore, once they do get their account back, they’re EXTREMELY unlikely to bot again.

I’m not a psychology expert, but there’s something about “I’ll get this account back later” that leads more of these sorts of people to give up their botting ways than if their accounts had been permanently closed. It’s kind of fascinating (at least I find it to be).

Side note: please avoid referencing bot programs directly by name, you’re only making it easier for people to find them!