Disclaimer:
Please note that AI assistance was utilized in the wording and formatting of this account to improve clarity and organization. However, the content and original text of all personal messages and Blizzard Entertainment's responses have been presented verbatim to accurately reflect the communications as they occurred. No alterations were made to the substance or original phrasing of these exchanges.
April 7th, 2020, is a date etched in my memory – the day my long history as a dedicated StarCraft Remastered fan took a devastating turn. What began as an ordinary day ended with the shocking notification of a permanent ban from the game I loved.
The reason provided was vague and deeply unsettling: a violation of the Terms of Service. However, the specifics remained shrouded in mystery. Confused and anxious, I immediately sought answers from Blizzard Support, hoping to understand the grounds for this severe action.
My First Shock: A Permanent Ban and a Frustrating Encounter with Blizzard Support!
My initial contact led me to a live chat with a Game Master named "Support" (not giving out real name or the one i made up) on April 8th, 2020. This interaction, far from providing clarity, only amplified my frustration and disbelief. Here is the unedited transcript of our conversation:
This initial interaction left me feeling even more confused and frustrated. The Game Master offered no insight into the specific violation, simply stating the ban was "correct." The assertion that "we do not allow cheating in our games" felt like a blatant disregard for the context I provided – the use of Blizzard-provided cheat codes within the single-player mode of the game. The abrupt end to the conversation and the deflection when I mentioned the in-game nature of the cheats only deepened my sense of injustice. This was the beginning of a long and disheartening journey to understand and overturn what I believed to be a fundamental misunderstanding.
Accused and Ignored: My Identity as a StarCraft Fan and the Start of a Frustrating Battle.
My connection to Blizzard's StarCraft Remastered runs deep. For years, under the online identity Knight, I've been more than just a casual player. I'm a longtime fan, a dedicated mapmaker, and an active member of the game's community since 2006. I've invested countless hours not only in playing but also in crafting custom maps, pouring my creativity and passion into the game.
Therefore, the notification that I had been banned from playing StarCraft Remastered struck me with the force of disbelief. The accusation that accompanied this ban was even more bewildering: the use of third-party tools. This accusation was not only false but deeply offensive to my long-standing commitment to fair play within the StarCraft community. I have never employed any external programs or exploits to gain an unfair advantage.
Seeking to understand this grave error, I immediately reached out to Blizzard, hoping to clarify my position and provide context to my gameplay. However, my initial attempts to inquire about the specific reasons behind the ban were met with silence. I received no response, leaving me feeling not only banned but also unheard and powerless.
The lack of communication compounded the frustration, as I was left to speculate on the cause of this unjust punishment and the process for appealing it.
Despite this initial wall of silence, I refused to accept this false accusation as the final word. Driven by my love for the game and the conviction of my innocence, I initiated the arduous process of appealing Blizzard's decision. My first appeal was submitted with a detailed explanation of my gameplay and a clear denial of using any third-party tools. It was sent with the hope that a fair review would recognize the mistake.
Unfortunately, my optimism was short-lived. The response to my first appeal was a curt rejection, informing me that my account would remain banned. This initial setback was disheartening, but it did not extinguish my determination to fight what I believed to be a fundamental error.
I persevered, submitting a second appeal, hoping that a further review might lead to a different outcome. Weeks of anxious waiting followed, each day filled with the anticipation of a resolution. Finally, a response arrived. However, to my profound disappointment, my second appeal also met with failure. The reasoning remained vague, and the accusation of using third-party tools stood unchallenged, despite my repeated denials.
At this point, the initial shock had morphed into a potent mix of sadness, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal. To be falsely accused by a company I had supported and admired for so many years, and to be barred from a game that was a significant part of my life, was a deeply painful experience. It felt as though my years of dedication and my contributions to the StarCraft community through mapmaking were completely disregarded.
While the ban cast a dark cloud over my gaming, it did not extinguish my overall passion. I continued to explore other games, but the sense of injustice and the unaddressed accusation lingered. This experience served as a stark reminder of the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability within the gaming industry – principles that I felt were sorely lacking in my interaction with Blizzard.
Even now, years after the initial ban on April 7th, 2020, my primary account remains inaccessible. Yet, my connection to StarCraft Remastered endures, and I continue to engage with the game in the ways still available to me, holding onto the hope that one day, this misunderstanding might be rectified.
This page was created on April 14th, 2023, as a testament to the ongoing impact of this unresolved issue.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Q: Why were you banned from StarCraft Remastered?
A: Blizzard stated the ban was due to the use of third-party tools. However, I vehemently deny ever using such tools. My analysis of the situation suggests the ban may have been triggered by my use of in-game cheat codes within single-player map creation. Despite repeated requests, Blizzard has never provided any evidence to support their claim of third-party tool usage.
Q: Did you receive any warning or explanation before the ban? A: No, there was no prior warning or communication from Blizzard before my account was banned on April 7th, 2020. I only discovered the ban when I attempted to log into the game.
Q: What did you do after being banned? A: I immediately submitted multiple appeals to Blizzard, explaining that I did not use any third-party tools and requesting any evidence they might have. My initial appeals were denied without specific reasoning. Even a final, escalated appeal in 2025 was ultimately rejected, with Blizzard stating that their decision was final.
Q: How did the ban make you feel?
A: The ban evoked a strong sense of sadness, anger, and betrayal. As a longtime fan, mapmaker, and dedicated player of Blizzard games for nearly two decades, being falsely accused and barred from a game I loved was incredibly disheartening and significantly impacted my mental well-being.
Q: What can other players do to avoid being falsely banned?
A: Exercise extreme caution when using any third-party software, even if it seems harmless. Adhere strictly to the game's rules and guidelines. If you are banned, maintain respectful and constructive communication with support while appealing. However, as my five-year experience demonstrates, even diligent and truthful appeals may not always be successful.
Q: Did you try to contact Blizzard to appeal your ban?
A: Yes, I pursued multiple appeals over five years, including a final escalated review in 2025. Unfortunately, all of these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Q: Did you use any third-party tools or cheats while playing StarCraft Remastered?
A: Absolutely not. I only ever used the in-game cheat codes provided by Blizzard, and exclusively within single-player mode for map creation and experimentation. As a longtime player and mapmaker, I have always respected the game's integrity.
Q: How long have you been playing StarCraft and why do you enjoy it?
A: I have been playing StarCraft since 2006 and continue to engage with the community through playing on an alternate account and mapmaking in 2025. I cherish the game for its strategic depth, challenging gameplay, and the strong community it fosters.
Q: Have you ever been banned from any other games before?
A: No, this is the only instance of a ban across all the games I have played.
Q: Do you think the ban was unfair?
A: Without a doubt. I firmly believe the ban was a result of a misunderstanding regarding my use of in-game, single-player cheat codes. The lack of transparency and the ultimate denial of all my appeals over five years have only reinforced this conviction.
Q: Have you been able to play StarCraft Remastered again since your ban was issued?
A: Not on my original account (The-Knight / Cool-Knight). Despite my persistent appeals, Blizzard has not lifted the ban. I can only access the game through an alternate account.
Q: Why were you banned from StarCraft Remastered by Blizzard?
A: Blizzard's official reason was the use of third-party tools. However, I maintain this is incorrect and believe the ban stemmed from my use of in-game cheat codes in single-player mode.
Q: Have you been able to play StarCraft Remastered again since your ban was issued?
A: Only on an alternate account (MagicTurtle#1180591), which lacks the history, progress, and connections of my banned main account.
Q: What is the status of your alternate account?
A: My alternate account (MagicTurtle#1180591) remains active, allowing me to continue playing and mapmaking to some extent, though it doesn't replace the loss of my original account (SC:R The-Knight / Cool-Knight) and the community connections I had built there.
Section: My Initial Theory: A Possible "Entrapment"?
At the time of the ban in April 2020, I couldn't shake the feeling that a recent game patch might have inadvertently flagged the use of in-game cheat codes, even in single-player mode, as a violation. It seemed illogical to suddenly punish players for utilizing features explicitly built into the game by Blizzard themselves, especially when these actions had no impact on the multiplayer experience or other players. This led me to consider if a change in policy, coupled with an automated detection system that couldn't differentiate context, might have created a situation where players like myself were being penalized for playing the game in a way that had previously been harmless. While I have no definitive proof of such a system malfunction, the suddenness of the ban and the lack of clear explanation fueled this initial theory of a potential "entrapment" scenario.
Section: The Frustrating Double Standard
Adding to my sense of injustice was the stark contrast between Blizzard's swift action against my single-player cheat usage and the often-reported issues of hacking and exploitation within StarCraft: Remastered's competitive multiplayer environment. As a friend aptly pointed out early on, "They can't tell the difference between single-player and multiplayer." This observation highlighted a deeply frustrating double standard. While I was facing a permanent ban for harmless fun against AI opponents using in-game tools, genuine hackers who actively disrupt the gameplay experience for others often seemed to face less decisive or immediate repercussions. This perceived imbalance only amplified my feeling that I was unfairly targeted for an inconsequential action.
My First Appeal - [Date of Appeal, likely shortly after the ban on 4/7/2020]
Just note I change all blizzard names to "Blizzard Support"
In my initial confusion and disbelief, my first attempt at contacting Blizzard Support was less of a formal appeal and more of a direct inquiry about the status of my account, as I hadn't received any specific reason for the ban.
Blizzard's Response (from Game Master Blizzard Support):
Hi there, Knight!
This is your friendly Game Master Blizzard Support, you can call me Support ♥. I hope you're doing well.
Thank you for contacting Blizzard Entertainment and for patiently waiting for our reply, it truly means a lot to us.
I have received your ticket and I totally understand that you want to confirm if the Starcraft account is still active. Have nothing to worry, I will take a look on that.
After carefully checking your account, it is a sad thing for me to tell that your Starcraft account was permanently banned. On the other hand, you may create a new Starcraft account if you want to play it. Hope I can help out more next time our paths cross!
I appreciate your patience with this and if you need any more help, let us know what you are having trouble with and we are more than happy to help you.
Stay safe and have a lovely day! ♥_♥
I attempted to clarify the situation, pointing out the inconsistency between my permanently banned account and my brother's previously suspended but now active account:
My Clarification Message:
Blizzard's Final Response to this Initial Inquiry (from Game Master Blizzard Support):
This final response to my initial inquiry confirmed the permanent ban and explicitly stated that it would not be reviewed or discussed further, still without providing a specific reason for the action. This marked the beginning of my formal appeals process, starting with the second appeal you've already seen.
My Second Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, April 2021]
Blizzard's Response to My Second Appeal - [Date of Response, April 2021]
My Third Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, April 2022]
Blizzard's Response to My Third Appeal - [Date of Response, April 2022] - Marked as "Resolved" by Blizzard
My Fourth Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, April 2023]
Blizzard's Response to My Fourth Appeal - [Date of Response: April 2024] - Note the Errors in Blizzard's Response
(i had to change the name of someone else to "bob" for reasons but they did reply to me with someone else real name.)
My Fifth and Final Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, 4/29 April 2025]
Subject: Appeal of StarCraft BroodWar: Remastered Account Ban - Account Banned 4/7/2020 - Continued Misunderstanding
Blizzard's Initial Response to My Fifth Appeal - [Date of Response, a few days after your appeal, likely late April 2025]
Blizzard's Final Decision on My Fifth Appeal - [Date of Response, 5/3/2025]
Please note that AI assistance was utilized in the wording and formatting of this account to improve clarity and organization. However, the content and original text of all personal messages and Blizzard Entertainment's responses have been presented verbatim to accurately reflect the communications as they occurred. No alterations were made to the substance or original phrasing of these exchanges.
April 7th, 2020, is a date etched in my memory – the day my long history as a dedicated StarCraft Remastered fan took a devastating turn. What began as an ordinary day ended with the shocking notification of a permanent ban from the game I loved.
The reason provided was vague and deeply unsettling: a violation of the Terms of Service. However, the specifics remained shrouded in mystery. Confused and anxious, I immediately sought answers from Blizzard Support, hoping to understand the grounds for this severe action.
My First Shock: A Permanent Ban and a Frustrating Encounter with Blizzard Support!
My initial contact led me to a live chat with a Game Master named "Support" (not giving out real name or the one i made up) on April 8th, 2020. This interaction, far from providing clarity, only amplified my frustration and disbelief. Here is the unedited transcript of our conversation:
This initial interaction left me feeling even more confused and frustrated. The Game Master offered no insight into the specific violation, simply stating the ban was "correct." The assertion that "we do not allow cheating in our games" felt like a blatant disregard for the context I provided – the use of Blizzard-provided cheat codes within the single-player mode of the game. The abrupt end to the conversation and the deflection when I mentioned the in-game nature of the cheats only deepened my sense of injustice. This was the beginning of a long and disheartening journey to understand and overturn what I believed to be a fundamental misunderstanding.
Accused and Ignored: My Identity as a StarCraft Fan and the Start of a Frustrating Battle.
My connection to Blizzard's StarCraft Remastered runs deep. For years, under the online identity Knight, I've been more than just a casual player. I'm a longtime fan, a dedicated mapmaker, and an active member of the game's community since 2006. I've invested countless hours not only in playing but also in crafting custom maps, pouring my creativity and passion into the game.
Therefore, the notification that I had been banned from playing StarCraft Remastered struck me with the force of disbelief. The accusation that accompanied this ban was even more bewildering: the use of third-party tools. This accusation was not only false but deeply offensive to my long-standing commitment to fair play within the StarCraft community. I have never employed any external programs or exploits to gain an unfair advantage.
Seeking to understand this grave error, I immediately reached out to Blizzard, hoping to clarify my position and provide context to my gameplay. However, my initial attempts to inquire about the specific reasons behind the ban were met with silence. I received no response, leaving me feeling not only banned but also unheard and powerless.
The lack of communication compounded the frustration, as I was left to speculate on the cause of this unjust punishment and the process for appealing it.
Despite this initial wall of silence, I refused to accept this false accusation as the final word. Driven by my love for the game and the conviction of my innocence, I initiated the arduous process of appealing Blizzard's decision. My first appeal was submitted with a detailed explanation of my gameplay and a clear denial of using any third-party tools. It was sent with the hope that a fair review would recognize the mistake.
Unfortunately, my optimism was short-lived. The response to my first appeal was a curt rejection, informing me that my account would remain banned. This initial setback was disheartening, but it did not extinguish my determination to fight what I believed to be a fundamental error.
I persevered, submitting a second appeal, hoping that a further review might lead to a different outcome. Weeks of anxious waiting followed, each day filled with the anticipation of a resolution. Finally, a response arrived. However, to my profound disappointment, my second appeal also met with failure. The reasoning remained vague, and the accusation of using third-party tools stood unchallenged, despite my repeated denials.
At this point, the initial shock had morphed into a potent mix of sadness, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal. To be falsely accused by a company I had supported and admired for so many years, and to be barred from a game that was a significant part of my life, was a deeply painful experience. It felt as though my years of dedication and my contributions to the StarCraft community through mapmaking were completely disregarded.
While the ban cast a dark cloud over my gaming, it did not extinguish my overall passion. I continued to explore other games, but the sense of injustice and the unaddressed accusation lingered. This experience served as a stark reminder of the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability within the gaming industry – principles that I felt were sorely lacking in my interaction with Blizzard.
Even now, years after the initial ban on April 7th, 2020, my primary account remains inaccessible. Yet, my connection to StarCraft Remastered endures, and I continue to engage with the game in the ways still available to me, holding onto the hope that one day, this misunderstanding might be rectified.
This page was created on April 14th, 2023, as a testament to the ongoing impact of this unresolved issue.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Q: Why were you banned from StarCraft Remastered?
A: Blizzard stated the ban was due to the use of third-party tools. However, I vehemently deny ever using such tools. My analysis of the situation suggests the ban may have been triggered by my use of in-game cheat codes within single-player map creation. Despite repeated requests, Blizzard has never provided any evidence to support their claim of third-party tool usage.
Q: Did you receive any warning or explanation before the ban? A: No, there was no prior warning or communication from Blizzard before my account was banned on April 7th, 2020. I only discovered the ban when I attempted to log into the game.
Q: What did you do after being banned? A: I immediately submitted multiple appeals to Blizzard, explaining that I did not use any third-party tools and requesting any evidence they might have. My initial appeals were denied without specific reasoning. Even a final, escalated appeal in 2025 was ultimately rejected, with Blizzard stating that their decision was final.
Q: How did the ban make you feel?
A: The ban evoked a strong sense of sadness, anger, and betrayal. As a longtime fan, mapmaker, and dedicated player of Blizzard games for nearly two decades, being falsely accused and barred from a game I loved was incredibly disheartening and significantly impacted my mental well-being.
Q: What can other players do to avoid being falsely banned?
A: Exercise extreme caution when using any third-party software, even if it seems harmless. Adhere strictly to the game's rules and guidelines. If you are banned, maintain respectful and constructive communication with support while appealing. However, as my five-year experience demonstrates, even diligent and truthful appeals may not always be successful.
Q: Did you try to contact Blizzard to appeal your ban?
A: Yes, I pursued multiple appeals over five years, including a final escalated review in 2025. Unfortunately, all of these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Q: Did you use any third-party tools or cheats while playing StarCraft Remastered?
A: Absolutely not. I only ever used the in-game cheat codes provided by Blizzard, and exclusively within single-player mode for map creation and experimentation. As a longtime player and mapmaker, I have always respected the game's integrity.
Q: How long have you been playing StarCraft and why do you enjoy it?
A: I have been playing StarCraft since 2006 and continue to engage with the community through playing on an alternate account and mapmaking in 2025. I cherish the game for its strategic depth, challenging gameplay, and the strong community it fosters.
Q: Have you ever been banned from any other games before?
A: No, this is the only instance of a ban across all the games I have played.
Q: Do you think the ban was unfair?
A: Without a doubt. I firmly believe the ban was a result of a misunderstanding regarding my use of in-game, single-player cheat codes. The lack of transparency and the ultimate denial of all my appeals over five years have only reinforced this conviction.
Q: Have you been able to play StarCraft Remastered again since your ban was issued?
A: Not on my original account (The-Knight / Cool-Knight). Despite my persistent appeals, Blizzard has not lifted the ban. I can only access the game through an alternate account.
Q: Why were you banned from StarCraft Remastered by Blizzard?
A: Blizzard's official reason was the use of third-party tools. However, I maintain this is incorrect and believe the ban stemmed from my use of in-game cheat codes in single-player mode.
Q: Have you been able to play StarCraft Remastered again since your ban was issued?
A: Only on an alternate account (MagicTurtle#1180591), which lacks the history, progress, and connections of my banned main account.
Q: What is the status of your alternate account?
A: My alternate account (MagicTurtle#1180591) remains active, allowing me to continue playing and mapmaking to some extent, though it doesn't replace the loss of my original account (SC:R The-Knight / Cool-Knight) and the community connections I had built there.
Section: My Initial Theory: A Possible "Entrapment"?
At the time of the ban in April 2020, I couldn't shake the feeling that a recent game patch might have inadvertently flagged the use of in-game cheat codes, even in single-player mode, as a violation. It seemed illogical to suddenly punish players for utilizing features explicitly built into the game by Blizzard themselves, especially when these actions had no impact on the multiplayer experience or other players. This led me to consider if a change in policy, coupled with an automated detection system that couldn't differentiate context, might have created a situation where players like myself were being penalized for playing the game in a way that had previously been harmless. While I have no definitive proof of such a system malfunction, the suddenness of the ban and the lack of clear explanation fueled this initial theory of a potential "entrapment" scenario.
Section: The Frustrating Double Standard
Adding to my sense of injustice was the stark contrast between Blizzard's swift action against my single-player cheat usage and the often-reported issues of hacking and exploitation within StarCraft: Remastered's competitive multiplayer environment. As a friend aptly pointed out early on, "They can't tell the difference between single-player and multiplayer." This observation highlighted a deeply frustrating double standard. While I was facing a permanent ban for harmless fun against AI opponents using in-game tools, genuine hackers who actively disrupt the gameplay experience for others often seemed to face less decisive or immediate repercussions. This perceived imbalance only amplified my feeling that I was unfairly targeted for an inconsequential action.
My First Appeal - [Date of Appeal, likely shortly after the ban on 4/7/2020]
Just note I change all blizzard names to "Blizzard Support"
In my initial confusion and disbelief, my first attempt at contacting Blizzard Support was less of a formal appeal and more of a direct inquiry about the status of my account, as I hadn't received any specific reason for the ban.
Blizzard's Response (from Game Master Blizzard Support):
Hi there, Knight!
This is your friendly Game Master Blizzard Support, you can call me Support ♥. I hope you're doing well.
Thank you for contacting Blizzard Entertainment and for patiently waiting for our reply, it truly means a lot to us.
I have received your ticket and I totally understand that you want to confirm if the Starcraft account is still active. Have nothing to worry, I will take a look on that.
After carefully checking your account, it is a sad thing for me to tell that your Starcraft account was permanently banned. On the other hand, you may create a new Starcraft account if you want to play it. Hope I can help out more next time our paths cross!
I appreciate your patience with this and if you need any more help, let us know what you are having trouble with and we are more than happy to help you.
Stay safe and have a lovely day! ♥_♥
My Follow-up Message:
Blizzard's Response (from Game Master Blizzard Support):
This response, while friendly, still failed to address the reason for the ban and seemed to misunderstand my core question, focusing on Battle.net login rather than the StarCraft game account ban. This further highlighted the communication barriers I was facing.
I attempted to clarify the situation, pointing out the inconsistency between my permanently banned account and my brother's previously suspended but now active account:
My Clarification Message:
Blizzard's Final Response to this Initial Inquiry (from Game Master Blizzard Support):
This ticket was marked as Resolved.
This final response to my initial inquiry confirmed the permanent ban and explicitly stated that it would not be reviewed or discussed further, still without providing a specific reason for the action. This marked the beginning of my formal appeals process, starting with the second appeal you've already seen.
My Second Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, April 2021]
Blizzard's Response to My Second Appeal - [Date of Response, April 2021]
My Third Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, April 2022]
Blizzard's Response to My Third Appeal - [Date of Response, April 2022] - Marked as "Resolved" by Blizzard
My Fourth Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, April 2023]
Blizzard's Response to My Fourth Appeal - [Date of Response: April 2024] - Note the Errors in Blizzard's Response
(i had to change the name of someone else to "bob" for reasons but they did reply to me with someone else real name.)
My Fifth and Final Appeal to Blizzard - [Date of Appeal, 4/29 April 2025]
Subject: Appeal of StarCraft BroodWar: Remastered Account Ban - Account Banned 4/7/2020 - Continued Misunderstanding
Blizzard's Initial Response to My Fifth Appeal - [Date of Response, a few days after your appeal, likely late April 2025]
Blizzard's Final Decision on My Fifth Appeal - [Date of Response, 5/3/2025]