BioWare took some criticism this week over bans issued in Star Wars: The Old Republic, leading community manager Stephen Reid to step in and clarify why users had gotten the boot. Reid says that permanent bans were issued to credit farmers, and temporary suspensions were given to players who exploited loot containers in one area.

Reid lays out the bans in a forum post (via Ten Ton Hammer). Responding to concerns that lower-level players were being banned outright for entering Ilum and looting containers, Reid says temporary bans were only issued to people who were "systematically and repeatedly looting containers in very high numbers." He says this unbalances the game economy.

"It's important to remember that our Terms of Service team is extremely careful and thorough in their investigation of any potential exploit or unusual activity in-game," he said. "Working closely with the development team and using extensive metrics based on player activity, they are able to determine what is normal player activity, what is unusual and what is exploiting. Our goal is always to ensure a fair game experience for all players while also protecting the rights of individuals, and if people are disrupting the play experience for others action will be taken."

Reid later emphasized the "systematically and repeatedly" aspect in response to users concerned if they could be banned or suspended in the course of normal gameplay.