Redmond (ip-192.com): Microsoft has disconnected up to 1 Million Xbox Live gamers, claiming they have modified their consoles to play pirated games, according to a press release. "All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty, and result in a ban from Xbox Live," Microsoft said in a statement. "The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive from manufacturers, retailers, and the third parties that support them.”
Xbox 360 consoles are equipped with Digital Rights Management technologies designed to detect pirated software, but some players have successfully modified their machines to circumvent DRM protections. The suspension prevents users playing pirated discs from using any of the Xbox 360's online features. However, they are still able to play all types of games offline.
While Microsoft did not disclose how they detect any manipulation on Xbox consoles, ZDNet reports that a non-standard hard drive is enough to get the console banned from Xbox Live.
The Xbox Live gaming service currently counts more than 20 million members, according to Microsoft. This means that Microsoft has banned up to 5 percent of Xbox Live subscribers permanently from using the service.
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