Don't mod PlanetSide 2 in any way or you will be banned

Warning: modify PlanetSide 2 in any way and you will be banned and lose your characters and items.

No harmless UI mods, no data mods - even programs that tinker with DirectX but not the game client directly may lead to a suspension.

This policy doesn't exist because Sony Online Entertainment's a bit of a control freak; it exists because SOE's trying to close any and all loopholes associated with cheating.

"It is vital that you not run software which modifies the PlanetSide 2 client in any way. If you do this, you are indistinguishable from various hacks that work in the same manner. The result of this is that you will be banned from gameplay and lose your characters/items," Sony Online Entertainment wrote on its forum (via RPS), presumably sounding a bit like the Terminator.

"We cannot make exceptions to this. We do understand there are relatively harmless apps that fall in this category, but if we allowed those they would simply be used as a shield excuse by players trying to cheat. This same rule applies to data that PlanetSide 2 uses for gameplay. Do not modify any of these files or attempt to modify them in memory.

"There are some applications that modify the Windows or DirectX environment without changing the client. These may also result in suspensions unless we specifically exempt them and declare them OK to use.

"The most simple guidance here is do not use third party programs which change the PlanetSide 2 gameplay in any way unless it has been specifically cleared by SOE."

This does not apply to *.ini file changes. "Those are allowed," SOE wrote, "although setting your own options incorrectly can result in bugs."

PlanetSide 2 is an online shooter for loads of people and with MMO-style persistence. It's got a team bent, so don't expect to get much achieved on your own. Best of all, it's free.

There's loads of buzz around this one; look for Eurogamer's PlanetSide 2 review on Friday.