As Classic Games continues to evolve our monitoring and safeguards to fight hacking in Diablo II, we are discovering how widespread the adoption of *alternative tactics and strategies* have become regarding keys, accounts, gear, and gameplay.
We have also enjoyed constructive discussion with a representative body of the community. They've advocated for leniency; the argument being that the absence of punishment was a sign of condoning said behaviors. Here is where we've landed:
Protect Your Adventurers
Register Key(s) to a Blizzard account:
https://www.battle.net/account/creation/tos.htmlEnsure your Diablo II install is using said registered Key
Ensure your Diablo II account has an up-to-date email address
Remove third party programs that may *enhance* Diablo II
Reduce Risk To Your Adventurers
Do not buy keys from a third party
Do not buy 16 digit keys - If you currently have 16 digit keys, you should convert to 26 digit keys through Battle.net
Do not re-use keys already purchased from a third party
Do not use proxy networks
Do not use web hosts
Do not share Keys or use Keys that have been made publicly available
Do not share accounts: possible reprisals for violations will envelop both party's shared accountsDo not buy accounts or leveling services: such accounts are at high risk of being closed without warningAlso, keep in mind that anyone behind your network, or if your ISP shares your IP address (as in more than one persons are given the same IP address), gets restricted from battle.net, you will suffer the penalties along with them.
This is the unfortunate disadvantage of using a shared IP address.
Also, keep track of siblings and other people with access to your computer and/or network who play on Battle.net, as they can get you restricted as well.
Sincerely,
Classic Games