Sq. Enix has one thing of a “don’t ask, don’t inform” coverage for the Closing Fantasy 14 group with reference to mods. Using third-party plugins is outlawed and towards the MMO’s phrases of service, however modders nonetheless proceed to create them for FF14 and their use is pretty well-known. Now PlayerScope, a troubling new mod that was made public just lately, is inflicting panic among the many group and is being dubbed “a stalker’s moist dream.”
PlayerScope is a third-party plugin that enables anybody to go looking a Closing Fantasy 14 character identify, which then brings up that participant’s account particulars. Accessible data consists of all the character names underneath that account, how way back they logged into the MMORPG, and even particulars on precisely the place they’ve been. These particulars are uploaded to a server, which permits PlayerScope customers to trace gamers with only a few clicks.
The power to trace this data was made doable by Sq. Enix’s blacklist modifications that arrived when Dawntrail launched in July 2024. One FF14 participant even warned that this could possibly be used maliciously six months in the past. The corporate has persistently warned gamers that the usage of third-party instruments is “strictly prohibited” and anybody discovered utilizing them would have their accounts “suspended or completely banned for repeat offenses.” That’s not stopped the rise of PlayerScope, although.
The PlayerScope plugin could be very regarding, contemplating it may be used for harassment and stalking. One Redditor even calls it “a stalker’s moist dream.” Whereas the FF14 blacklist is efficient at deterring harassers within the sport, the knowledge offered by PlayerScope makes it simpler to seek out the individual tied to the account.
One Discord group’s messages had been leaked by way of screenshots (seen by PCGamesN however not shared right here to guard these focused) the place girls streamers and gamers had been posted and customers selected whether or not they would “rape or shoot them.” Whereas the Discord isn’t instantly tied to PlayerScope, discovering streamers exterior of FF14 is made simpler with the knowledge offered by the plugin.
The developer of PlayerScope, who goes by the identify ‘Generall’ within the mod’s Discord, says that they plan to make it doable for FF14 gamers to “decide out” of their knowledge being displayed by PlayerScope. The group isn’t thrilled with this both, contemplating they need to be part of the PlayerScope Discord to decide out. Generall has declined to make the system opt-in, claiming it might defeat the aim of the plugin.
Dalamud, a mod supervisor that the majority gamers use to implement third-party plugins in Closing Fantasy 14, is powerless to disallow the mod due to its potential so as to add customized repositories that don’t conform to Dalamud’s tips. In idea, Dalamud might ban PlayerScope, however due to its open supply code, the event crew would find yourself spending a major period of time chasing new customized repositories for this mod, Dalamud says in an announcement.
The massive majority of the FF14 group is vehemently against PlayerScope, however until its creator chooses to take the plugin down, it’s unlikely a lot will probably be accomplished about it. Some modders are apprehensive that as a result of severe points PlayerScope creates, Sq. Enix will step in and at last swing the ban hammer on all mods, which is at all times a risk. It is extremely unlikely Sq. will do one thing on its finish to make pulling the account ID unattainable, since it might require it to make modifications to adjust to a third-party plugin, which as a complete is strictly prohibited.
This egregious invasion of privateness comes at a foul time, contemplating there’s a free login marketing campaign going till Thursday February 6, giving gamers 4 days of FF14 without having a subscription. If nothing is completed, gamers may leap ship to a brand new MMO in a time the place free MMORPGs are in abundance.
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