Account Banned for being Disabled?

I am making this thread to inquire about my main account being banned for the use of 3rd party programs. The account in question is Lexxo

Now to start I will admit to using such programs, however not in a malicious or cheating manner. You see I am severely physically disabled and barely have the use of my hands to the point that I am unable to use a keyboard and I can only use a single mouse button to interface with my computer. To augment this and allow me to have more ease of access and allow me to play some games I use a variety of programs to assist me. I use a on screen keyboard due to the fact I can't use a physical one, I use a voice command system that allows me to speak a command and it will press the keys after a delay, and I used various other small assistance's such as a script that presses my healing flask macro when I reach half hp. Without these things it would be impossible for me to play this game at all, and I did try when I first started but could not advance past Act 3 because a 5+ second delay to click on a healing flask means you die.

Now I specifically avoid competitive player vs player games for the exact reason I was banned, it would be unfair to the players that I am against. However path of exile is largely not a pvp experience and I am not gaining an advantage over anyone else in the game even with these programs. You can look at the banned account and see that I am unable to keep up with 'normal' players even with the supposed advantage I have with 3rd party programs.

Now I get to what really upset me. When I reached out to support over email I was immediately vilified and told that they would not have further contact with me about this topic. In addition I was told that if I really wanted to play the game to just 'make a new account'. Which under the current rules would be banned again because as I said before I am unable to play without the assistance. This was told to a paying customer who has supported the game since release.


I am reaching out in the hopes that the devs will at least be willing to start a dialog. I understand that the current rules are in place to combat botting and it is a very complicated issue. However at the same time their zero tolerance policies are discriminating an entire potential market of customers and that just hurts the community in the end.

Sincerely,
Lexxo

What part of the email is not clear?

Assuming your story is true you should have read the Terms of Use before using any 3rd party software and ask GGG for permission. Wich you did not do.

To answer your question 'Account Banned for being Disabled?' No you got banned for breaching the Terms of Use.

Some people need to use third-party software in order to use a computer, let alone play this game.

If a person needs to use assistive technology that makes use of third-party software in order to play this game, they should be exempt from this rule.

To do otherwise would be a pretty bad look for them.

Now let the ugliness that is gamers' systemic ableism rear its ugly head.

Edit: I literally used Dragon NaturallySpeaking to make this post, as well as this tweet: https://twitter.com/accessiblegamer/status/1116765567724269576

well ok, but have can GGG verify that your story is true. They don't have time to do things like that since they are already swamped because there is not enough people to handle all the support tickets.

So again, what you should have done (and what you should do before you start using a new game), is to contact the support and send proof about your being disabled and ask for permission to use "cheating" software to play.

As you have already been told ny GGG, nothing will be done about your account.

Honestly I don't get the difference in asking for permission on a new account and getting a ban reversed? I can easily prove that I am disabled if that is required. But saying an account ban can't be reversed is nonsense.

It's sad you can't play like others and I'm sorry if so. When you created an account, you agreed to the game's ToS which stated you can't use such software. You decided to play PoE despite the rules. I don't see any discrimination here - I'm happy everyone is equal for GGG.

I don't know if there is any way to prove someone needs to use such software without opening door to cheaters who would claim the same. You could try writing a new, separate e-mail to GGG saying you're disabled, explaining how and asking them if there are any ways to enhance your gameplay without getting a ban. You could also try making a thread on Reddit and maybe ask for tips from other disabled people about playing without breaching the ToS, but if you continue in this tone, I am not sure you'll get any help.

"

Iangyratu wrote:

It's sad you can't play like others and I'm sorry if so. When you created an account, you agreed to the game's ToS which stated you can't use such software. You decided to play PoE despite the rules. I don't see any discrimination here - I'm happy everyone is equal for GGG.

I don't know if there is any way to prove someone needs to use such software without opening door to cheaters who would claim the same. You could try writing a new, separate e-mail to GGG saying you're disabled, explaining how and asking them if there are any ways to enhance your gameplay without getting a ban. You could also try making a thread on Reddit and maybe ask for tips from other disabled people about playing without breaching the ToS, but if you continue in this tone, I am not sure you'll get any help.

I agree 100% here. It's a "bad beat" for you here but ToS is the same for all.

Regarding the tone, then look here:
https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/2487403

He is now sending me PM's where first he was "nice" asking for help and now is getting very hostile because there is nothing I can do other then telling him the same others have already told him....

There are ways to assist in my playing, some of those are these programs. Because of the blanket policies in place even the most simple voice control technically breaks the ToS. Anything physical can cost a lot of money that I can't really afford for one game. I don't mean to sound hostile I just would like to actually talk to someone because support wasn't interested.

"

HanSoloDK wrote:

"

Iangyratu wrote:

It's sad you can't play like others and I'm sorry if so. When you created an account, you agreed to the game's ToS which stated you can't use such software. You decided to play PoE despite the rules. I don't see any discrimination here - I'm happy everyone is equal for GGG.

I don't know if there is any way to prove someone needs to use such software without opening door to cheaters who would claim the same. You could try writing a new, separate e-mail to GGG saying you're disabled, explaining how and asking them if there are any ways to enhance your gameplay without getting a ban. You could also try making a thread on Reddit and maybe ask for tips from other disabled people about playing without breaching the ToS, but if you continue in this tone, I am not sure you'll get any help.

I agree 100% here. It's a "bad beat" for you here but ToS is the same for all.

Regarding the tone, then look here:
https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/2487403

He is now sending me PM's where first he was "nice" asking for help and now is getting very hostile because there is nothing I can do other then telling him the same others have already told him....

I don't know what that situation has to do with this?

Sorry for the tone mention, I'm not a native English speaker. The thing is, you've already got answer from Support and I don't often see GGG people responding to people here other than telling them to e-mail Support, so I think the best way to check if anything can be done with your issue is to do what I mentioned earlier. This forum message itself is not likely to make Support reach out to you and say they'll reconsider your ban.