MLB The Show 16 News Post

SCEA Bans Many Players for Using Exploits in MLB The Show 16

01:07 PM - June 28, 2016 by RaychelSnr

If you've been on Twitter lately, you've no doubt been seeing Ramone Russell answer fans inquiries about why they were banned over the past couple of days.

Over the weekend, Ramone also posted in the SCEA Forums reiterating that breaking the rules and standards of the community could result in a console and PSN ID being banned.

Quote:


	"If a player is found cheating, exploiting, harassing other players, or breaking the rules in game or here on The Show Nation forums, we will suspend the account for a limited time or even permanently ban the ID and console. This isn't new and we've always been on the lookout for these types of players, but it's important to remind the community of the potential consequences that may await players if they decide to travel down the dark path."

Also of note via TheShowNation (Victor_SDS)

Quote:


	There was an exploit related to cancelling transactions on the marketplace. If someone took advantage of this exploit egregiously, their ID would have been flagged and banned. Flipping cards on the market is not an offense. Buying and quick selling is not an offense. It had more process than just cancelling an order.

A number of players were banned in the past few days according to Ramone's Twitter Feed:

"We banned a number of users who exploited community market transactions. Bans will not be reversed, fyi flipping cards IS NOT an exploit.

Flipping cards doesn't get you banned, we encourage flipped cards, flipping cards is good for everyone."

Several users were quick to claim innocence but it appears Russell came armed with info, telling at least one user they were in the top 1% of offenders of the glitch. In fact, the SCEA investigation into the matter was three weeks long and involved multiple runs and checks of the same data.

This was a bold move by SCEA to protect the online gaming experience for many MLB The Show users. While bans are nothing new in the online gaming world, it does appear SCEA has taken some pretty dramatic steps in order to safeguard the online experience for gamers. While some of the bans are permanent, others are temporary and will last anywhere from days to weeks to months.

What do you think of the bans? Was SCEA right? Is this a good move?

UPDATE (6-30): via Twitter

Quote:


	We hear your concerns. This is very important to us. We are looking into it. We thank you for your patience. More to come soon.

Game: MLB The Show 16Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / PS4Votes for game: 23 - View All

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Member Comments

# 81 NKRDIBL @ 06/29/16 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oski96


	Okay. So, that leaves another route to triggering the glitch. I don't recall doing that either - especially since I have a small laptop and don't usually use multiple windows. I do, however, clear all my orders quickly when I do clear them (mouse click + enter button) and then re-set new orders based on whatever new market orders were entered since my prior bids were placed - but the process of putting in new orders is slow because of the CAPTCHA. Anyhow, I doubt that is it, either because I don't do much trading on my computer vs. my console. I guess at some point in time, SDS will respond to my email and let me know just what it is all about.

I don't think this is the glitch either. Because I do 90% of my Orders on a computer.

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

# 82 oski96 @ 06/29/16 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKRDIBL


	You don't get it. If they have wrongly (and legally) taken something away from you. Now even if you did nothing wrong they still have that right. It's there right. And Noone has labeled you a cheater. The world did not know you were a cheater. You came onto the forum saying you have been banned. They did not release a list of all the psn ID'S. Now if I was in your position. And a company took away my right to a product where I did nothing wrong. I wouldn't spend all my efforts trying to kiss and make up with them over a $60 item. If they're not going to cooperate with you. I would boycott them and spread the message about how ridiculous and unethical they have acted. Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

I'm not planning on kissing up no matter what. I do plan on getting an explanation as to why I am banned and seeking an opportunity to show it was in error.

Maybe you are just a born coward and don't feel comfortable standing up for yourself. Even if only out of principle, I do feel some things are worth fighting for. I happen to think this is one of them - even if it is just a $60.00 game.

# 83 NKRDIBL @ 06/29/16 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oski96


	I'm not planning on kissing up no matter what. I do plan on getting an explanation as to why I am banned and seeking an opportunity to show it was in error. Maybe you are just a born coward and don't feel comfortable standing up for yourself. Even if only out of principle, I do feel some things are worth fighting for. I happen to think this is one of them - even if it is just a $60.00 game.

Did you even read what I said? Instead of kissing and making up with them. Let others know what they have done wrong. Take away more business from them. Make sure others don't get the same fate. Guess that's being a coward?

Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

# 84 SmashMan @ 06/29/16 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oski96


	Maybe you are just a born coward and don't feel comfortable standing up for yourself.

Come on, was this sentence really necessary?

# 85 WaitTilNextYear @ 06/29/16 03:15 AM

The thing I find comical is look at all the toxic waste on Ramone's Twitter account right now. Some of these clowns were rightly banned whether they did exploits or not. I feel like their harassment and trolling is already grounds for being banned. If I had been banned, I'd certainly be more inclined to try and play nice so they'd show me mercy. Some of these bros, in all of their meatheadedness, can't even see that.

It really does seem like keeping an addict from their fix with some of the outrage out there. Not healthy at all.

# 86 Gosens6 @ 06/29/16 08:00 AM

In the end, people for sure cheated, but, I don't think everyone who was banned willingly cheated.

SDS didn't do enough investigating when it came to this issue in my opinion. They just swept through and banned everyone without seeing if this exploit could be achieved unintentionally.

They're so convinced in their ways, they won't listen to the people that really have done nothing wrong. They're like that school principal who's so convinced you started that food fight, when you were just a casualty who got food thrown on you.

They're not going to listen to any of the people who were banned without willingly cheating. That's the nature of the beast.

Not to bash him, but Ramone comes across as the kind of guy who thinks when he's right, and everyone else is wrong no matter what. It's a cocky kind of attitude that really rubs folks the wrong way.

That being said, I don't play games online, I don't know what stubs are for or how they even work, but, if you willingly and knowingly cheated the system and SDS, you deserve to get banned and I don't feel bad for you.

It's common sense there were some bans to people who had no idea what happened or why they got extra stubs, those people should be given a fair say to what's going on. SDS won't do that though, they're right and everyone else is wrong.

That's why I'm against all this micro transaction, card game BS. Their game has struggled significantly this year with game play issues and bugs, and all they care about are stubs and micro transactions and making more money. It's the same issue with madden, 2k, nhl and any other sports game with these stupid card games.

How many patches have been wasted just to fix card game issues? Back in the day, we'd get a majority of game play fixes in these patches, and at least 2 have been used for DD and BS card collecting.

Anyway, this is a touchy subject and a very tricky situation for everyone involved. I do hope those who did nothing wrong get their accounts back and justice is actually served.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

# 87 cardinalbird5 @ 06/29/16 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKRDIBL


	Rumor is the glitch was deleted buy orders on your phone/tablet/pc then deleting them on your PS4 moment later. While the system didn't recognize the first delete. Double the stubs were returned into your account. If that's the case. There is zero chance anyone would be doing this unwillingly. Unless you cam think of a way it would be an accident. The "sweep" should be pretty strait forward. The game should code a time a buy order is placed. And should be giving an order number. If multiple receipts exist for that order number. I'm sure it would flag strait away. Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

I know guys who got banned that dont even use a second device or the website yet they got banned

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

# 88 cardinalbird5 @ 06/29/16 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oski96


	I appreciate your answer and I am sure this is consistent with what SDS has said. However, and sadly, this is 100% incorrect. I know because I have never deleted orders from my computer and then done so on my PS4. I know that for a fact. I do market orders from work and then later come home. Under your scenario, the glitch would not be triggered. On weekends, i only use my computer when my son is on PS4 (otherwise, I do all trades from PS4 - since its way easier). If my son says he is done and I can play, I eventually go to the PS4, start the program and check my orders before playing a game. Under your scenario, that would not trigger the glitch. Yet, I have been banned. Many others have the same story as me. Some may be lying, but I would bet everything I own that not all of them are lying. In fact, I believe most are telling the truth. Anyhow, the answer to the question lies in what I believe to be the false assumption that the glitch can only be triggered intentionally, and in one certain manner. I believe the assumption is false, because I have never cleared my buy orders on computer or phone and then ran (I don't run anywhere, btw) to my PS4 to re-clear orders. I know that for a fact. You don't have to believe me, and it really doesn't matter if you do.

Just cuz u didnt get banned does not mean u unknowingly exploited it. It just means you were not in the top 1 pct

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

# 89 extremeskins04 @ 06/29/16 09:19 AM

I think what SDS did was a bit of "crowd control" so to speak with the bans. They will for sure check everything and unban those folks that were legit.

Granted they probably could have just closed down the Marketplace and investigated it before throwing a ton of bans out where it's possible some innocent people got hit, but I mean it is what it is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oski96


	Maybe you are just a born coward and don't feel comfortable standing up for yourself. Even if only out of principle, I do feel some things are worth fighting for. I happen to think this is one of them - even if it is just a $60.00 game.

Dude why are you taking personal shots against him? That is completely unnecessary.

# 90 Ghost Of The Year @ 06/29/16 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKRDIBL


	You don't get it. If they have wrongly (and legally) taken something away from you. Now even if you did nothing wrong they still have that right. It's there right. And Noone has labeled you a cheater. The world did not know you were a cheater. You came onto the forum saying you have been banned. They did not release a list of all the psn ID'S. Now if I was in your position. And a company took away my right to a product where I did nothing wrong. I wouldn't spend all my efforts trying to kiss and make up with them over a $60 item. If they're not going to cooperate with you. I would boycott them and spread the message about how ridiculous and unethical they have acted. Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

Quote:

Originally Posted by oski96


	I'm not planning on kissing up no matter what. I do plan on getting an explanation as to why I am banned and seeking an opportunity to show it was in error. Maybe you are just a born coward and don't feel comfortable standing up for yourself. Even if only out of principle, I do feel some things are worth fighting for. I happen to think this is one of them - even if it is just a $60.00 game.

Standing up for yourself & boycotting an international mega-corporation is the very opposite of cowardice.
Other than that, if you were in fact banned in error, I too would hope to get an explanation & opportunity to show it was an error. Barring that, a boycott is your next best hope.
Real cowardice would be to give them $60 again next year. IMO

# 91 woodjer @ 06/29/16 11:29 AM

I'm strictly exhibition and franchise mode. I don't play the stubs mode(s?) at all so I've got no horse in this race. I'm sure that there were some people that were innocently banned and I hope they get everything squared away. I guess there are just a few points that I feel the need to respond to:

- Yes, the existence of the glitch was SDS' fault...but it's also the user's fault when they take advantage of it. By the logic of some posts, if the theft-prevention scanners go down at Best Buy and nobody is at the door, I can walk out with anything in the store and they shouldn't arrest me. I mean, it's not my responsibility to handle those things, is it?

- Sure, it's not my job to tell anyone about the situation above either but I do believe that there is a moral obligation to do so, if I'm aware of it. What's funny is that the "it's not my job to tell them about it" argument only seems to come up when the glitch means getting something for free that would otherwise cost money. If the glitch could be used to give some users 4 outs in an inning, the same people to use that argument would likely be filling up bug reports left and right...even though it's not their job.

- oski, you mentioned clearing transactions quickly with both a mouse click and pressing enter. Depending on the details behind this glitch, that may have caused it, especially if you're clicking a Cancel button and then pressing enter activates it again. That's pure speculation on my part but, whether you realized what was happening or not, that may be the issue right there. Then again, I'm no expert in how this stuff occurs normally.

- As for keeping the glitch a secret, we have little to no information about how long it existed. Since launch? Yeah, it probably would have spread more than what the ban numbers indicate. Was it a window of a few hours? Much less likely...and maybe it did spread very quickly to get to those numbers.

For oski, Jason, and anyone else that believes they were incorrectly banned, I truly hope that things get resolved quickly and justly. I feel for you though because, if you benefited from the exploit but didn't do so intentionally, that will be VERY difficult to prove and, like it or not, your purchase of a software license (which is really what "buying a game" is now) doesn't entitle you to any sort of due process.

# 92 extremeskins04 @ 06/29/16 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodjer


	By the logic of some posts, if the theft-prevention scanners go down at Best Buy and nobody is at the door, I can walk out with anything in the store and they shouldn't arrest me. I mean, it's not my responsibility to handle those things, is it?

^ This. This is the part where people don't understand.

People just because you CAN rob a bank cause they have weak security and horrible response time doesn't mean you should do it. It's still illegal. It's still stealing. You'll still go to prison for it.

# 93 oski96 @ 06/29/16 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodjer


	- oski, you mentioned clearing transactions quickly with both a mouse click and pressing enter. Depending on the details behind this glitch, that may have caused it, especially if you're clicking a Cancel button and then pressing enter activates it again. That's pure speculation on my part but, whether you realized what was happening or not, that may be the issue right there. Then again, I'm no expert in how this stuff occurs normally.

That could be. When I would clear a queue from the computer, I would just click and hit enter. I did it rapidly.

Interestingly enough, I had been thinking about recommending/requesting a "cancel all" button to make things quicker (in one of the threads where improvements, recommendations, etc. are discussed).

# 94 Armor and Sword @ 06/29/16 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBLover


	I think the thing is - does it mess with the fair competitiveness of the mode? I don't know what the stubs do aside from letting you buy cards and packs. If being able to generate free stubs without using the market correctly, meaning you can get the advantage over people who buy/sell/pay/farm/whatever to get stubs, then I could see why that would get shut down. It's like if an RTS had an obvious exploit to give your units/faction superior powers that it/they shouldn't have, or I guess in this case, a way to just generate free resources at will for the whole match. Is it the gamers fault that the exploit is there? No. They didn't make the game. But imo that doesn't mean the devs should turn a blind eye to the abusers. Otherwise, the only people who suffer are those that don't use/won't use/don't know the exploit. I don't think that's particularly fair. If anyone was unfairly flagged, I hope they get it straightened out.

To be frank it has nothing to do with that. Stubs can be purchased with real currency and people do pay for stubs (if they wish). The people who were clearly found to be excessive repeat offenders (I am not even discussing nor talking about people who may have been inadvertently or wrongly banned....I can't comment on something I have no idea about) are basically committing fraud and exploiting something that is a clear revenue stream for a company.

It's like stealing cable TV.

It is a serious issue and they are defrauding a company of potential revenue by taking full advantage of a glitch.

And of course the side effect is creating a huge disadvantage in building your team and collecting cards. Forget the playing of the actual game because I have beaten stacked teams with all silvers. That is purely subjective IMO.

The spirit of the collectors aspect has been undermined by the blatant abuse of this glitch. That is the real issue IMO. Guys who stacked potentially millions of stubs illegally were potentially able to build their collections far faster and also flip cards and manipulate the market for their greed and gain on stubs.

A black eye for The Show community, but SDS did what they had to do. Obviously there are some debates by those who were potentially wrongfully banned. They need to work that out with SDS themselves.

I think coming on here and expressing opinions if your wrongfully banned on a public message board is futile because no one here knows you personally nor has access to what you potentially did or did not do on the market place glitch. Your just going to cause pitch fork and torches type behavior.

I am staying out of it. But KB that is my take and why this is a nasty bug and again I applaud SDS for taking a hammer hardline stance on this.

It is a serious deal and a slap in the face of honest gamers who did not glitch cheat or take advantage of exploits that in this case can potentially financially hurt the studio who create the game we love.

# 95 NDAlum @ 06/29/16 01:47 PM

To the guys who were banned: did you tweet Ramone to see if it was a mistake? He seems to be replying to people letting them know the amount they exploited the system for. Maybe if he checks your PSN he'll see it was wrongly banned.

# 96 ncaajunkie @ 06/29/16 01:52 PM

I love this move by Sony and Ramone! Great job protecting the people that play the game the right way.

# 97 woodjer @ 06/29/16 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDAlum


	To the guys who were banned: did you tweet Ramone to see if it was a mistake? He seems to be replying to people letting them know the amount they exploited the system for. Maybe if he checks your PSN he'll see it was wrongly banned.

One suggestion I'd make about this though...if at all possible, contact Ramone (or whoever) privately. Don't put anyone in a position to publicly announce that your ban has been overturned. If you do, I can almost guarantee that it won't be. The second that there is any hint of doubt from them publicly, people will jump all over it...whether they are guilty or not. Ramone and SDS know this so, for the best chance at success, keep it low-key. They'll publicly support their decision all day long but admitting mistakes on a case-by-case basis ain't gonna happen. Unless there is some huge flaw in their data or methodology that reveals a large number of mistaken bans, you'll probably never see them post anything publicly about it.

And, of course, do your best to keep calm and polite. The more angry and hostile you get, the worse you'll make things for yourself.

It's going to be difficult enough to prove that there was no intent if your account reflects the exploit. Don't make things even harder for yourself by taking the fight public or getting way too upset.

# 98 NKRDIBL @ 06/29/16 02:38 PM

Someone who wasn't banned should Tweet Ramone and have him run the numbers on there account. See if he comes back with a you did it 2 times for 45 stubs type response. Those would be the accidental ones you would think.

Also, (just thinking out loud) anyone on twitter who asked him to check your account, without logging into your PSN first have pretty much admitted guilt, if you had nothing to worry about, why ask?

# 99 oski96 @ 06/29/16 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKRDIBL


	Someone who wasn't banned should Tweet Ramone and have him run the numbers on there account. See if he comes back with a you did it 2 times for 45 stubs type response. Those would be the accidental ones you would think. Also, (just thinking out loud) anyone on twitter who asked him to check your account, without logging into your PSN first have pretty much admitted guilt, if you had nothing to worry about, why ask?

That misses the point. The data itself is not going to be false. It is the interpretation of the data which is questioned.

You have to look deeper into the transactions to conclude whether this glitch was triggered accidentally or intentionally.

That should be relatively easy, but I am certain it has not been done.

# 100 countryboy @ 06/29/16 02:54 PM

This thread...

First people were like

Then SCEA was like:

Then the people were like:

Then SCEA was like:

And now people are like:

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