So apparently FFXIV-App is banworthy now?

[Marishi-Ten]

Here's the thing about FFXIVAPP and VPN's. Square can't verify if you're using one or not. Both of these programs are passive, they don't modify any core files so even if they are in use and against the ToS, Square can't verify them and can't ban people using them.



FFXIVAPP just reads the data logs and parses them over for compiling and formatting. This is all done locally and since core files aren't changed or affected, the version check never sees it and never reports it to Square. All it's doing is parsing information people can see already so you the user doesn't have to math it yourself. FFXIVAPP isn't injecting any packets or sniffing any data beyond logs (and this is done locally making it impossible for Square to verify you're using it and since it's already available for view by anyone, it basically makes parsing just a fast way to add numbers together).

All a VPN/Proxy/Tunnel does it change the route path you normally take (which is determined by your ISP and not by Square) for the client/host handshake. The reason why these work so well is because some backbones have massive problems (Also which isn't controlled, managed, or monitored by Square). By changing your data route path, you have a better chance at being able to avoid these hops and gain a stable connection. On a side note to this; Your ISP can do basically the same thing as Tunnel software. The ISP can change your data route path on demand (though you better have a really good reason and the data to back it up. ISP's are soooooooo lazy if you ask for that). Square can't control the path of data flow outside their network. As this is dictated by the ISP/backbones and Square works with all network infrastructure, this wouldn't be against ToS (ever log in when you're at work? Odds are you're behind a firewall/proxy/VPN)

The same also applies to the ENBInjector (allows you to add custom graphic settings to the game like enhanced HDR, lighting, and bloom effects). I believe that Square specifically commented on the use of this application and indicated that this program is fine (you actually have to drop this program into the x86 program files for FFXIV itself which, if anything would be more against ToS than FFXIVAPP and VPN's). Here is the link: http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/86742-ENB-Injector-for-FFXIV-%28wip%29/page6

If I had to make an educated guess, if the ENB injector (which you have to drop into the folders that don't want you to modify in any way) is okay, it's not a big stretch to assume that parsing shouldn't technically be against ToS (VPN's would never be against ToS. Networking simply doesn't work that way and Square wouldn't have control of the path even if they wanted to). The only reason I could see for VPN's to be a problem would be if Square has bans set up to ban I{'s and not accounts (which isn't the case).

I'm not defending parsing or anything (I feel it allows players to degrade others and to shame them into leaving the party/game which hurts revenue as a whole or enables their inferiority complex to reach astronomical heights) but there is no real way to track if you're using one and no core files are being altered (Which IS against ToS).

[Allyra]

VPN's would never be against ToS.

VPNs are against ToS for many other MMOs, so I dunno where you got this idea.

[DaysMetherlence]

They hate it when you /bump something ... so ....

[DaysMetherlence]

/bump for dev response

[MurakumoMillennium]

VPNs are against ToS for many other MMOs, so I dunno where you got this idea.

Which MMOs are against VPNs?

[xopher]

lol Days.





/bump

[Marishi-Ten]

VPNs are against ToS for many other MMOs, so I dunno where you got this idea.

Some states have laws against procreating with socks on. It's silly and impossible to enforce. Just because it's written doesn't mean it can or will ever be policed.

What does a VPN actually do? It changes your path from point A to point B. The host (Square) can't control anything in between. It's impossible to. Plus, prove that people are using VPN's. You can't because it's not their network/backbone/node/hop/hub. Square (and every other dev company EVER) cannot control how the data flows from client to host. Even the client can't control that. Control is held by the ISP, backbone, and hub providers. How can a third party police network paths that they don't influence and have no access to? They can say that VPN's are against ToS all day long. Doesn't mean much when they can't prove anyone is using them.

The only reason I could think of to bar VPN's is if the host banned users via IP address. Using a VPN or Proxy would technically bypass that ban. I've not heard of companies banning via IP in a long LONG time and instead ban the account (Account ID tied and stored at the hosts access point) associated with the misconduct (Square does this as well).

[Allyra]

Which MMOs are against VPNs?

WoW:
http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/forum/to...0144690?page=1

Guildwars strongly discourages it and you can get flagged:

https://forum-en.guildwars2.com/foru...any-game-rules


League of Legends:

http://dt.reddit.com/r/leagueoflegen...ed_for_vpnssh/


etc.

There are really two reasons why they are against it.

1. Unfair advantage towards other players.

2. RMT use VPNs so often the path you are taking are going to share the same IPs as them which will get you flagged.

Some states have laws against procreating with socks on. It's silly and impossible to enforce. Just because it's written doesn't mean it can or will ever be policed.

These games police it constantly. Just spend five minutes on the WoW forums and see how many people get hit for it.

As I said in point 2. VPNs often mean you are sharing IPs with rmt, that is how they catch it.

[edit] note: I don't want them to ban VPNs. If they did in ffxiv I'd have to quit, as the game is unplayable to me without it. I just don't like people making false statements.

[Tazo]

Square responded to the use of tunneling services and said that they allow it. Forgot the thread but it's here somewhere.

[Peptaru]

Just putting this out here.



I myself will continue to not only use and develop the application itself but also support it.

Also posted on ZAM:
http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?foru...0004610&p=1#39

Is that the same link to the topic on VPN specifically that's already been referenced 100 times (incorrectly)? Is that your official okay? Seriously? Please do continue work on the project, please keep it alive... but you must be joking with this. There is also a huge difference between SE okaying parsers and endorsing a specific parser.

From that same zam post: "My interpretation is that any software, not just VPN tunneling software, that doesn't directly control the FFXIV client, isn't breaking any of the rules, and I will openly admit to any GM who cares to ask that I use it."

THAT is the holy bastion of they said it was okay? The interpretation of the guy who made it?