Earlier this week, Eve Online developer CCP revealed a real-life monument to players, which was shortly vandalized by attendees of the developer's fanfest event. The studio promised it was taking both in-game and legal action against those it found responsible, and now several players have been given permanent lifetime bans.
Read More About the Eve Online Monument Vandalism Story
Community Manager CCP Falcon explained the situation on Eve Online's forums, stating that their investigation (with the help of other community members) determined who was responsible for defacing the monument, and that such behavior would not be tolerated in the Eve universe.
"Firstly," Falcon wrote, "I'll say that the fact that the monument was vandalized is an insult to the entire community, not just to the individual who's name was directly targeted by the vandalism.
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"Thankfully with the assistance of a number of members of the community, including some of those who were involved with the incident and other members of their own alliance, we've been able to make headway in identifying those responsible."
The ban includes four members of the community, three of whom received lifetime bans on any Eve or Dust 514. Another player received a six month ban, and all four of them are barred from attending any future fanfests or community activities.
"Secondly, we would like to reiterate that we do not tolerate this kind of behavior and will continue to operate a zero tolerance approach to dealing with harassment and victimization in the Eve Universe. As such, three individuals have been permanently removed from the Eve Community.
"A total of seven Eve Online accounts, and one Dust 514 account belonging to them have been permanently banned. Another individual who was indirectly involved in the vandalism has received a 6 month ban from Eve Online on their sole registered account."
The developers do not wish to violate their own privacy policy and will not reveal the names or in-game accounts of the players responsible. They consider the matter concluded in the Eve universe, though mention continuing discussions with law enforcement, likely looking to press real-life charges.
"We now consider this issue resolved within the Eve Universe, and any further action taken outside the virtual world relating to criminal damage or recovery of costs for repairs to the Eve Universe Monument will remain confidential between CCP Games, the authorities, and those involved."
The Eve Online monument's official unveiling can be viewed in the video below.
