Battlefield 3 Beta Hacked, Accounts May Be Banned

That seems to be the new motto for EA's Battlefield 3 beta, as server files were recently leaked, modified, and then used to launch rogue servers outside EA's official network. These rogue servers are now playing host to variants of the beta, some of which crank up the simultaneous multiplayer support on the Operation Metro map (in RUSH mode) from the original 32 to an insane 128 gun slinging gamers.

Naturally EA and DICE aren't happy, and the latter is now threatening to swing its almighty banhammer on anyone participating in these unofficial sessions. In short, players could be banned from EA's required online service, Origin, and any games associated with their account. The problem is that these servers are showing up with the legitimate ones in the official Battlelog-- anyone can connect thinking the setup is an official configuration instead of a hacker's funhouse. That said, an accidental click could result in a ban from a long list of legitimately purchased games.

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"We are aware that a number of servers have appeared and are running game modes and player counts that have not currently been seen," the company said in a forum statement that has since been removed. "Please try to remain on the official servers. Please avoid temptation and remain on -the] official servers while we work to have these [rogue] servers dealt with. Playing on those servers can cause your account to become compromised, stats to be altered or other issues to arise which may lead to having your account banned by EA."

Just recently EA followed Sony's lead regarding the PlayStation Network and modified its Terms and Conditions for the Origin service, forbidding users from filing class action lawsuits against the company. The new ToS now compels users to "expressly waive the right to a trial by jury or to participate in a class action." All disputes that cannot be straightened out through "informal negotiations" will be "finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration."

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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.

108 Comments Comment from the forums

aliened

No custom maps then? This wouldn't happen on steam.
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Floydage

I used to be excited about BF3.....
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siege_templar

I know right? excited. then no steam, and ea origin and no server browser the little things will kill this game.
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Floydage

Yea... It just keeps getting worse. I first decided to wait till after release in hopes it would come back on Steam. Now I'm not even sure I will buy it at all.
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cats_Paw

If you get banned you lose other games as well, i guess they keep giving people reasons "not to buy" games, but download them.
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Goldengoose

I still admire the speed of these 'hackers' - out for less than a few weeks and already seeing posts like this.
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bear jr

Like many others I will not be buying this game, EA has alot to destroy my faith in them.

Vote with your money people.
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BulkZerker

cats_pawIf you get banned you lose other games as well, i guess they keep giving people reasons "not to buy" games, but download them.
Damn right. I'll just mail a check to dice and put in the Memo: "Next time use steam for distributions, DRM."
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tlg

SERIOUSLY EA? I will get banned for playing in unofficial servers while I have loaded and logged in through the official servers? And I will also not be able to log onto any other EA games I have???

HOW ABOUT i just download your games from thepiratebay and you dont get my money never ever again?
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For real, you guys are going to boycott the game because it won't be on Steam? EA wants to use Steam, but Valve has a set of strict guidelines that inhibit EA's ability to patch their games through Steam. It's not EA's fault Steam is a less than satisfactory choice for Battlefield 3.
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