Console mods find dead end at Xbox Live

Microsoft is cracking down on Xbox owners who modify their consoles.

The company is blocking modified Xbox 360 systems from connecting to its online multiplayer video game service, Xbox Live.

According to a blog posting from Microsoft's Games Global Marketing team, when owners of a modified console try to log onto the service, they will be blocked, although they will not have their accounts banned.

"We will continue to enforce this rule to ensure the integrity of our service, the protection of our partners and the benefits of our users," the blog states.

Blog community response:

"Granted, we can't really fault Xbox for trying to keep cheating between gamers on the level, but anything that so actively deincentivizes people from toying around with their own hardware is a serious bummer."
--Engadget

"It's a good thing my Xbox 360 isn't connected to the interwebs or else I'd be getting the above message. I'm not lying when I say I'd cry...a lot. It was only a matter of time before Microsoft put their foot down and punished all the hackers/modders, but it sucks all the same."
--CrunchGear

"If I were in the market for a used Xbox 360, I'd be very wary of buying one over the next few weeks."
--Kotaku

[jelloburn]

I'm surprised it took so long

I don't remember when it happened with the original Xbox, but
they did the same thing, although they were actually banning
boxes that were modded. Truthfully, I'm glad they're doing it,
because it just screws up the experience for everybody else.

Anybody that played Halo 2 knows what I'm talking about when
it comes to modified content and cheating. It takes all the fun
out of the games and legitimate players suffer as a result.

The best solution for modders would probably be to just use
Xlink Kai. I would if my ethernet port didn't fry itself...

[rbeier]

Good and Bad

On one hand I see their point in wanting to keep it fair for everyone. But why not direct them to a specific area for game play? I am sure most who mod their machines would love to see how they stack up against the rest.

[Orion Blastar]

You have to mod it to play Homebrew Games

but now if you mod it to play Homebrew Games, you are blocked from XBox Live. Microsoft is trying to shut off the hobbyists from making free or open source games for the XBox Live this way.

[hdubya]

XNA

Native homebrew may not run, but they have offered XNA to create managed homebrew.

[extinctone]

That's why

You sell your 360 and buy a PS3.

[richto]

So you can pay twice as much for less?

So you can pay twice as much to have an inferior console with no games, worse graphics, and get stuck with a Betamax V2 BluRay drive? No Thanks.

I'd rather buy another Xbox 360 just to play on Live with.

[richto]

So you can pay twice as much for less?

So you can pay twice as much to have an inferior console with no games, worse graphics, and get stuck with a Betamax V2 BluRay drive? No Thanks.

I'd rather buy another Xbox 360 just to play on Live with.

[JerryJumper]

What about Vista?

How is this going to impact Vista users? Will they be able to
make modifications and still use Live? If so, that means PC users
will have an unfair advantage playing against console users.

[XXKINGMODSXX]

this is nothing but bull. Ms can ban your console for hacking the firm ware and modding the games,but not for adding lights. Ms said that u can be banned for using hacks and halo3 mods. Example flying warthogs and flying tanks sniper rifles that shoot tank missle's , and skins for the map. that will get you banned but just popin the case and liquid cooling it wont get you banned. I spoke to microsofts tech's and they all said No you can not be banned for liquid cooling your 360 or adding fans, you can how ever be banned for using hacked disc, mods such as flying tanks, hacked firmware, flashing your dvd drive to play back ups can get your console and account banned, but not liquid cooling. Two micosoft tech's say that liquid cooling is the best choice as the 5 vlt fans and large heat sinks dont do much but take up room.