Does Blizzard Permanently Ban for Account Sharing?
Blizzard Entertainment, the developer of popular online games such as World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo, has a strict policy against account sharing. However, the question remains: does Blizzard permanently ban accounts for account sharing?
The Short Answer
No, Blizzard does not permanently ban accounts for account sharing, but there are circumstances in which account sharing can result in serious consequences, including suspension or termination of accounts.
Account Sharing Defined
Account sharing, in the context of Blizzard’s policy, refers to the act of allowing someone else to play a Blizzard game using your account, or vice versa. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Coaching or spectating: Allowing someone to spectate your gameplay or receive coaching on how to play the game using your account.
• Multi-accounting: Using multiple Blizzard accounts to play the game simultaneously or share accounts with others.
• Botting: Using automated software to play the game and generate in-game currency, experience, or items.
Consequences of Account Sharing
If you are found to be sharing your account, you may face one of the following consequences:
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning | A one-time warning issued to you, explaining the policy violation and advising you to stop sharing your account. |
| Suspension | Temporary suspension of your account, usually ranging from 1 week to several months, during which you are unable to play or access your account. |
| Termination | Permanent closure of your account, requiring you to create a new account from scratch. |
Factors that Influence the Consequences
The severity of the consequences depends on various factors, including:
• Type of account sharing: Coaches, bots, or multi-accounting may carry more severe consequences than spectating or coaching.
• Frequency and duration of sharing: Infrequent or short-term sharing may be viewed less harshly than frequent or long-term sharing.
• Player’s history: Repeated violators may face more severe consequences than first-time offenders.
• Game balance and fair play: The impact on the game’s balance and fair play, as well as the intent behind the account sharing, may influence the consequences.
Other Blizzard Policies Related to Account Sharing
Blizzard has additional policies and guidelines in place to address account sharing:
• Account monitoring: Blizzard’s automated systems monitor account activity to detect potential policy violations.
• Player reports: If another player reports suspicious activity or account sharing, Blizzard will investigate and take appropriate action.
• Terms of Service: Blizzard’s Terms of Service outline the policies and consequences for account sharing and other violations.
Conclusion
While Blizzard does not permanently ban accounts for account sharing, sharing your account can still result in serious consequences, including suspension or termination. It’s essential to understand and comply with Blizzard’s policies and guidelines to avoid potential consequences. Always remember: playing fair and following the rules is essential to ensuring a positive and enjoyable gaming experience.