Question about multiboxing

[Randelmire]

Hi! I have a question that comes from a discussion I have read on the website Reddit.

I understand multi-boxing is legit and SE themselves explain how to setup your service accounts to be able to play more than 1 character at the same time in some of their FAQ articles.

What surprises me in all this is that it would seem people think that using a 3rd party software to control all character at once ( so when you use a skill on the first character, the same skill is automaticly used on all other characters) is also legit because there is someone sitting behind the computer. But since you are not controlling all characters separately I was sure this was cheating...

I would like to know the real answer about that if anyone knows it.

Thank you

Edit : My goal is not really to start a debate. I'm only looking for some kind of official answers.

[Flionheart]

Automation is illegal. Not controlling a character directly whilst it does actions falls under this.

[PandaPause]

I used to 2-box on FFXI. That being said I wouldn't even attempt it on this game, it looks like it would be an absolute nightmare lol.

[Randelmire]

Not controlling a character directly whilst it does actions falls under this.

Actually that's the part people are arguing a lot. It seems more people are claiming that controlling many characters at once is not automation because you are still controlling all of them directly.

Less people claim that that you are controlling one character and then a software control the other characters for you.

That and since there is a human pushing buttons, this is not automation at all.

[Anakhu]

They allow this when duel boxing in Eve online, works well for miners.

But they frown upon actual botting. There is an actual person doing something with 1 character , and his others are doing the exact same thing mimmicking it..

[Randelmire]

Actually it seems to be allowed in WoW. Eve Online too, maybe...

But that's really about Final Fantasy XIV that I want to know. I always felt Square Enix was much more strict on that kind of things.

[Meklore]

If you are using 3rd party software, then yes it's against the TOS

2.1 .....You may not create or use any unauthorized cheats, bots, automation software....

[Joshhoowah]

Edit : My goal is not really to start a debate. I'm only looking for some kind of official answers.

The only time I have official responses in the General Discussion section are a topic has been a hot topic for days and there are double digit pages of discussion. A little bit of controversy and debate would help your cause. Adding phrases like "SE RESPOND NOW!!!" to the title strangely do not.

[Bufkus]

I've seen people doing this, where it's one guy controlling a whole bunch of characters at once.

My take on it is that it is definitely grey area. SE reserves their rights to ban you for it, but they generally won't because the person is paying for all those accounts and legit playing them instead of botting. They probably won't take action unless tons of people complain.

[Karos]

I am a multiboxer, and I would like clarification as well. I get all kinds of mixed reactions from players; some commend me and others frown on my playstyle. I'm a legit player, and I am very fond of all things Final Fantasy. I am not botting in any way, and I personally look down on illegal activities in-game. I sincerely have nothing to hide.

I multi-boxed plenty back on FFXI, and it's became an addiction and habit of mine. The difference is I knew a lot of multi-boxers back on that game, and the issue was not that big of a deal as it seems now. Perhaps it's just a generational thing.

Bottom-line is I'll continue to multibox unless SE says multiboxing is not allowed. I admit that I would and will not stop because another player felt it isn't allowed. Now if SE themselves told me it's not, then I would cease and desist. It shouldn't be a gray area. I'm sure the community would like an official statement on SE's standpoint as well.