To begin with: Be careful not to confuse those who played 4 accounts in a regulatory way and those who played them using software external to the ryzom client. The problem here is not the fact of owning several characters but their control mechanics.
As Agan said, this decision doesn't solve the multiboxing problem by itself, but it will rebalance the gameplay. Multiplayer gameplay being more and more restricted by the lack of interest of some players for this type of game (PVP, kings, hunts, ...), the few players using third party software have been more and more "visible" in the game landscape. This visibility has led to a feeling of unfairness from those who play in a legal way.
How can this be remedied?
BAN the players using software that allows synchronized actions Problem: the proofs requested by the staff are impossible to provide even if the fault is highly visible in the game (Yes yes, it is VERY visible).
How to avoid this feeling of frustration of the regular players?
The only possible solution is to prevent these cheaters from having too big an advantage over the other regular players and therefore limit their number of support staff. Solution chosen by the Staff
In addition, players using third party software to control multiple characters should be glad they didn't take a BAN before. Indeed, the use of third party software has been strictly forbidden since the beginning of ryzom and even if it is very easy to notice it in game, it is more difficult to have irrefutable evidence leading to a conviction of the cheaters.
For all regular players (with several characters or not), you pay, today, the price of those who do not respect the rules from the beginning. Don't blame the staff for this quick but necessary decision, just think about which side is at fault.
As Agan said, this decision doesn't solve the multiboxing problem by itself, but it will rebalance the gameplay. Multiplayer gameplay being more and more restricted by the lack of interest of some players for this type of game (PVP, kings, hunts, ...), the few players using third party software have been more and more "visible" in the game landscape. This visibility has led to a feeling of unfairness from those who play in a legal way.
How can this be remedied?
BAN the players using software that allows synchronized actions Problem: the proofs requested by the staff are impossible to provide even if the fault is highly visible in the game (Yes yes, it is VERY visible).
How to avoid this feeling of frustration of the regular players?
The only possible solution is to prevent these cheaters from having too big an advantage over the other regular players and therefore limit their number of support staff. Solution chosen by the Staff
In addition, players using third party software to control multiple characters should be glad they didn't take a BAN before. Indeed, the use of third party software has been strictly forbidden since the beginning of ryzom and even if it is very easy to notice it in game, it is more difficult to have irrefutable evidence leading to a conviction of the cheaters.
For all regular players (with several characters or not), you pay, today, the price of those who do not respect the rules from the beginning. Don't blame the staff for this quick but necessary decision, just think about which side is at fault.
---