Has anyone noticed a decrease in botting activity in light of recent events?

[KageTokage]

By recent events, I mean the illicit activity reports separately listing bans for botting, as well as the matter being officially acknowledged in the live letter.

I'm curious because I've noticed some of the big names on my server that are typically online virtually 24/7 have seemingly vanished in recent days. I have doubts about whether or not they actually got banned, though, as some of their associates are still at it and I'd think they would've dropped the habit out of fear if their friends had actually gotten the banhammer.

[StouterTaru]

I've seen several bots zipping around doing MSQ, and often see names sticking out of the wall behind the flames company chest in Uldah. I haven't noticed significant "legitimate player" botting since north than FATE trains, just a few DoL here and there.

[Ilyrian]

Legit question: What is the point of botting... in this game specifically do you think?
Is the gold selling really that profitable in this game? Worth the time and initial investment? I do wonder if SE planned this inflation and made Gil practically useless on purpose.
Also is there any point botting to level? I can't imagine anyone would buy accounts (not like old-school WoW way back the day) so what is the point in it?
And botting in PVP ... In FFXIV?!?...smh.

On topic: I have seen less RMT spam recently but that could just be coincidental.

[LaylaTsarra]

I see some cute (at least the botter has taste) catgirl (clones all look the same) gather bots on gilga at the legendary nodes.

[GailrinWinterheart]

Ran across some bots this morning in Frontlines. Kicked and reported, but still is pretty annoying.

[Cerbolt]

I've not really noticed much of a change myself. Ran across a few today while doing the BLM quests. The type that are identical, have gibberish names and teleport everywhere.

If there really is a decrease though it's probably because they noticed people are kicking up a fuss about them and are laying low for a bit.

[Risvertasashi]

Legit question: What is the point of botting... in this game specifically do you think?

Commercial operations, by their nature, are going to be the biggest ones. Simply because money's involved, and when there's a monetary incentive to do something... well, you know how it goes.

As for personal reasons, likely they're people that want to automate some repetitive tasks while chasing dreams of riches. At least, I think that explains the gathering bots. PVP bots... I'm not sure on that one.

[KisaiTenshi]

Commercial operations, by their nature, are going to be the biggest ones. Simply because money's involved, and when there's a monetary incentive to do something... well, you know how it goes.

As for personal reasons, likely they're people that want to automate some repetitive tasks while chasing dreams of riches. At least, I think that explains the gathering bots. PVP bots... I'm not sure on that one.

Well it's the fastest way to level if it's still offering a stupid amount of EXP. But some people might be trying to inflate their PvP stats to win the prizes.

[KageTokage]

On topic: I have seen less RMT spam recently but that could just be coincidental.

I did notice that there's only one RMT website spamming in Limsa lately, whereas there used be like three. I assume this is just because they gave up because of lack of business, though.

The method the remaining bots use is extremely obnoxious, though, as they'll spam the shout chat begging for a NN invite in the most terrible English imaginable when they first arrive in Limsa and if they do get invited, then they'll start RMT spamming the NN until somebody kicks them on top of spamming in shout. The worse thing is that despite the limited number of mentors, nobody seems to ever pick up on their habit and keeps inviting them. I feel like some people are probably doing it on purpose at this point, as I've seen them get invited well after they've already started RMT spamming in shout chat.

[KisaiTenshi]

I did notice that there's only one RMT website spamming in Limsa lately, whereas there used be like three. I assume this is just because they gave up because of lack of business, though.

The method the remaining bots use is extremely obnoxious, though, as they'll spam the shout chat begging for a NN invite in the most terrible English imaginable when they first arrive in Limsa and if they do get invited, then they'll start RMT spamming the NN until somebody kicks them on top of spamming in shout. The worse thing is that despite the limited number of mentors, nobody seems to ever pick up on their habit and keeps inviting them. I feel like some people are probably doing it on purpose at this point, as I've seen them get invited well after they've already started RMT spamming in shout chat.

Those bots are always standing outside the Limsa Lominsa Lift attendant.

Oh, and here's an example of what they do.