Upholding the LIVE Code of Conduct
All players participating in a LIVE game are responsible for upholding the LIVE Code of Conduct. To view the Code, click the following link:
Your observance of this Code of Conduct ensures a positive experience for all players.
Code of Conduct violations
All feedback is reviewed weekly and action is taken against the players who receive a significant number of complaints. Below is a list of current offenses and resulting banning actions:
Inappropriate Gamertag
If you choose a gamertag that violates the Code of Conduct and other gamers complain about it, you'll be forced to change it. And we're good at recognizing the hidden meaning in creative spellings, so you might as well pick something nice from the start.
If you choose a gamertag that violates the Code of Conduct in any game, regardless of rating, and other players complain about it, your account will be suspended. You will not be allowed to sign-in to LIVE until you have changed your gamertag.
Chat violations
If what you are saying through LIVE's voice communication violates the Code of Conduct and other gamers complain about it, you'll be communication banned. You can no longer chat or send messages when a communication ban is in effect. First offense is a one-day suspension. Second offense is one week. Third offense, and every subsequent offense, is two weeks. When you're communication banned you can still play, but no one else will be able to hear you.
Cheating and bad gameplay
If you violate the Code of Conduct by cheating or exhibiting "bad gameplay" and other gamers complain about it, you'll also find yourself suspended from one day to two weeks.
Ban notifications
If you are communicaton banned, locked out, or asked to change your gamertag, you'll get a message notifying you in the Guide. If you are communicaton banned or locked out, you'll also receive an e-mail message at the account you used to sign up.
Duration of Bans
The notification you receive will list the duration of ban. You will need to wait for the ban to end before you may access the LIVE service or communicate with other players.
If your computer has been permanently banned for violations of the Terms of Use, there is no recourse for these violations. To protect the LIVE service and its members, Microsoft does not provide details about bans.
More information
For more information, read Major Nelson's article Cheating, Banning, Feedback.
