Will Blizzard Ban Multiple Accounts? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is: it depends. Blizzard’s stance on multiple accounts is nuanced and largely depends on how you are using those accounts. Owning multiple Battle.net accounts is generally permitted, and even running multiple World of Warcraft (WoW) accounts simultaneously on one Battle.net account is allowed. The problems arise when your use of multiple accounts violates Blizzard’s Terms of Service (TOS), particularly concerning activities like cheating, exploiting game mechanics, or engaging in unfair competitive practices. Therefore, let’s delve into the intricacies of Blizzard’s policies regarding multiple accounts and explore the activities that could land you in hot water.
Understanding Blizzard’s Stance on Multiple Accounts
Blizzard allows players to create and maintain multiple Battle.net accounts. This can be useful for various reasons, such as separating accounts for family members, testing different character builds in games like Diablo, or having separate accounts for different regions. You can even have up to eight World of Warcraft accounts attached to a single Battle.net account.
However, it’s critical to understand that each account is subject to the same TOS. Blizzard actively monitors accounts for violations, and a ban on one account can, and likely will, impact other accounts associated with the same Battle.net account. This is especially true if the banned account was involved in activities like botting, hacking, or exploiting in-game systems.
Activities That Could Lead to a Ban
While simply owning multiple accounts isn’t a bannable offense, certain activities involving multiple accounts can trigger Blizzard’s ban hammer. Here are some key areas to be mindful of:
- Botting and Automation: Using bots or third-party software to automate gameplay is strictly prohibited. If one account is caught botting, all linked accounts are at risk. This is because botting gives an unfair advantage, ruining the game experience for other players.
- Exploiting Game Mechanics: Using multiple accounts to exploit in-game mechanics for personal gain is a serious violation. This could involve manipulating the in-game economy, gaining an unfair advantage in PvP, or circumventing game rules.
- Account Sharing: Despite owning multiple accounts, sharing an account with another player is against the TOS and can lead to a ban. This is because Blizzard needs to protect the security of their user data, and account sharing opens doors to security vulnerabilities.
- Manipulating SR/MMR in Competitive Games: Intentionally manipulating your Skill Rating (SR) or Matchmaking Rating (MMR) in games like Overwatch through the use of alt accounts is frowned upon and can result in penalties. This often involves throwing games on an alt account to deliberately lower your rating and then smurfing against lower-skilled players.
- Gold Selling/Buying: While buying gold directly won’t get you banned, it can lead to a suspension. Selling gold is even more serious and carries a higher risk of permanent account closure, even if the gold came from several accounts.
Blizzard’s Monitoring and Enforcement
Blizzard employs various methods to detect violations of their TOS. These include automated systems, player reports, and internal investigations. When suspicious activity is detected, Blizzard may issue warnings, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans.
It’s important to note that Blizzard rarely reveals the specific methods they use to detect cheating and exploitation. This is to prevent players from developing ways to circumvent their detection systems.
Protecting Yourself
If you’re using multiple Battle.net accounts, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself from accidental violations. Here are some tips:
- Read and Understand the TOS: Familiarize yourself with Blizzard’s TOS and ensure you understand the rules and regulations.
- Avoid Suspicious Activities: Steer clear of any activities that could be interpreted as cheating, exploiting, or engaging in unfair competitive practices.
- Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your accounts for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access.
- Be Mindful of Third-Party Software: Exercise caution when using third-party software with Blizzard games, as some programs may violate the TOS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Blizzard’s policies on multiple accounts:
1. Can I have multiple Battle.net accounts?
Yes, you can have multiple Battle.net accounts. Blizzard allows users to create multiple accounts for various reasons, such as managing accounts for family members or separating accounts for different purposes.
2. Can I run multiple World of Warcraft accounts on one Battle.net account?
Yes, you can have up to eight World of Warcraft accounts attached to the same Battle.net account. This allows you to play multiple characters simultaneously, a practice known as multiboxing.
3. Will Blizzard ban me for account sharing?
Yes, account sharing is a violation of the TOS and can result in a ban. Each account is intended for the exclusive use of the registered owner.
4. Are alt accounts allowed in Blizzard games?
Alt accounts are generally allowed, but using them to manipulate SR/MMR in competitive games is prohibited and can lead to penalties.
5. What happens if one of my Blizzard accounts gets banned?
If one of your Blizzard accounts gets banned for a violation, other accounts associated with the same Battle.net account may also be at risk, especially if the violation involved cheating or exploitation.
6. Does Blizzard ban IP addresses?
No, Blizzard does not typically ban IP addresses. They primarily focus on banning accounts associated with violations of the TOS.
7. Why does Blizzard lock accounts?
Blizzard may temporarily lock Battle.net accounts due to suspicious activity, such as logging in from an unfamiliar location or after a long period of inactivity.
8. Can I move a game from one Battle.net account to another?
No, you cannot move a game account from one Battle.net account to another, or merge two game accounts into a single account, with limited exceptions for moving certain games to a child’s account.
9. Can I use the same phone number for multiple Blizzard accounts?
No, a phone number can only be added to a single Battle.net account.
10. Can I get banned for buying WoW gold?
Buying gold won’t usually get you banned, but it could result in a suspension. Selling gold is a more serious offense.
11. Can Blizzard ban me for playing on private servers?
Playing on private WoW servers violates the TOS and can lead to a permanent ban from Blizzard’s official services if discovered.
12. Can I sell my Blizzard account?
Selling a Blizzard account is against the TOS and can result in the account being permanently banned. The account belongs to Blizzard, not the user.
13. Can I run two WoW accounts on one computer?
Yes, you can run multiple World of Warcraft accounts on one computer, as long as you own each account and are not using any prohibited software.
14. Can I family share Blizzard games?
Blizzard offers limited family sharing options for certain games like World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Hearthstone, and StarCraft II.
15. How can I recover my banned Blizzard account?
The only way to potentially recover a banned Blizzard account is to appeal the decision through Blizzard’s customer support channels. There is no guarantee the ban will be lifted.
Staying Within the Rules: A Call to Responsible Gaming
Ultimately, the key to using multiple accounts without facing penalties is to ensure you’re adhering to Blizzard’s TOS and engaging in fair and ethical gameplay. This means avoiding cheating, exploiting, and any other activities that could negatively impact the game experience for other players.
Remember, Blizzard strives to create a fair and enjoyable environment for all players. By understanding and following their policies, you can contribute to a positive gaming community. To learn more about gaming and ethical online behavior, consider exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society, accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Finally, remember that Blizzard’s policies can change. Always review the latest TOS for the most up-to-date information. Have fun and game responsibly!