Article ID: 973429 - Last Review: June 30, 2011 - Revision: 2.0

Information about Gamerscore corrections

System TipThis article applies to a different operating system than the one you are using. Article content that may not be relevant to you is disabled.

On This Page

Expand all | Collapse all

SUMMARY

A Gamerscore correction occurs on a player's Xbox LIVE account when the player gains achievements through avoiding game play and by using external tools. Xbox LIVE is committed to keeping the service free of this kind of behavior because it violates the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use.

For more information about the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use, please visit the following Xbox LIVE website:
www.xbox.com/en-US/legal/LiveTOU.htm (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/legal/LiveTOU.htm)
When abnormal achievement or Gamerscore activity is found on an account, Xbox LIVE changes the Gamerscore of those players who meet specific and automated criteria.

An Xbox LIVE player who obtained their Gamerscore in this abnormal way will find that the following actions were taken:
  • Their Gamerscore was reset to zero.
  • They cannot regain previously earned achievements.
  • They are labeled as a "cheater" for the community to view.
When players who are identified by these criteria start from a zero Gamerscore, they can still gain achievements for future games. That is, we give them another opportunity to earn future achievements by earning them fairly in the manner that other players do. The original Gamerscore correction will remain permanent, and players cannot appeal the action.

MORE INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  • Q1: Under what circumstances does Xbox LIVE correct a specific Gamerscore?

    A1: Specific and automated criteria are used to determine whether a player has earned achievements by using tools that circumvent the game, or avoid game play completely. A player who meets these criteria has their Gamerscore corrected.

  • Q2: How does Xbox LIVE know that a player is cheating to change their Gamerscore?

    A2: We look for abnormal achievement and Gamerscore activity by using criteria that identifies users who have used external means to earn achievements without actually playing the game. Users who play games legitimately to earn achievements are unaffected by this review.

  • Q3: Does being labeled as a "cheater" change a player's experience on Xbox LIVE?

    A3: The only actions that we take are to correct the player's current Gamerscore, and to label the player as a "cheater." This label can be observed on Xbox.com and through the player's view of their Gamercard on a console or computer that is connected to Xbox LIVE. The player can still legitimately gain future achievements. The player's experience does not change in any other way.

  • Q4: I think I know someone who is "cheating." Why haven't you corrected their Gamerscore?

    A4: For Gamerscore corrections, a player is considered cheating when they gain achievements through avoiding game play and by using external tools. If a player has not met our specific criteria, we do not correct their Gamerscore. If your definition of cheating differs from our definition, Gamerscore correction is not the solution to the problem that you believe you are observing. You should consider reporting the user through the feedback reporting system. The player might not be cheating at all.

  • Q5: I've had my Gamerscore corrected. Is there any way to appeal the decision?

    A5: No, you can't appeal a Gamerscore correction. We correct Gamerscores only for players who completely meet our criteria for cheating.

  • Q6: But it was my little brother/roommate/guest that did this by using my Gamertag. Can I appeal?

    A6: No. As outlined in the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use, you are responsible for all activity on your Xbox LIVE account.

  • Q7: I'm worried I might find my Gamerscore corrected. What should I do?

    A7: Like most Xbox LIVE members, if you earn achievements by playing through games in the same manner as other player, you have nothing to worry about. Gamerscore correction applies only to players who use external means or avoid game play to earn achievements.

  • Q8: I've heard of other players being banned. Why don't you just ban these Gamertags?

    A8: We believe in players reforming themselves. This is why Gamerscore correction applies only to previously earned achievements. This lets players who were penalized for cheating earn achievements fairly in the same manner as other players without being banned from Xbox LIVE. However, any user who violates the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use is subject to having their Gamertag banned.

APPLIES TO
  • Xbox LIVE
Keywords: 
kbxbox360pacrimportal kbxbox360europeportal kbxbox360americasportal kbexpertisebeginner kbsurveynew kbpubtypekc kbinfo kbxbox360japanportal KB973429