Microsoft warns against Xbox Live sharing

Microsoft's Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, has told gamers on his blog not to share their accounts with friends or tamper with game saves.

The Xbox Live director of programming stated that those who refused to heed his warnings could find that they permanently lose their account. Hryb says that some gamers are giving in to the temptation to give their account ID and password to people in return for promises to build up their score on games such as Halo 3.

But, says Hryb, it's just not worth it--just say no. He writes, "While it may be appealing, in addition to violating the Xbox Live terms of use, it can also result in you permanently losing your account. If that 'friend' of yours decides not [to] return your account and buys a bunch of Arcade titles and movies on your account, there is nothing we can do except cancel the account since you willingly shared your information... Cancelled. As in you can never get it back. In addition to losing your Gamertag, you'll also lose your Gamerscore, saved games, and any points you have on the account."

While on the subject, Hryb also commented on the dangers of using "nefarious techniques" to increase gamerscores and obtain achievements. He said, "Let me be more clear: If you use tampered gamesaves to boost your Achievements and Gamerscore, you may sign in to Xbox LIVE one day and discover that we have removed your Gamerscore. Once we do that, you will never be able to re-earn those achievements on that account. Even worse, you might have your account and/or console banned from Xbox Live."