This notice applies to all English-speaking Monster Hunter Frontier players. I hope you will take this seriously.
As foreign players who have effectively circumvented filters in order to play this game, there are certain responsibilities we need to be following in order to keep this possible. First of all, you should understand that we are all in this together. This applies especially to those of you who are using the VPN to connect.
You can be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN about the following FACTS:
-- If an admin finds out that you are a non-Japanese player, you WILL be BANNED.
-- If you are connecting through the VPN and you are BANNED, this means that EVERYONE connecting through that VPN will be BANNED.
Some things that put us ALL at UNNECESSARY RISK include:
-- Speaking English TO or
IN THE PRESENCE OF ANY Japanese player(s). ESPECIALLY admitting to being a non-Japanese player.
-- Putting ANY English text in your profile/comment. For example, "HI IM AMERICAN NICE 2 MEET U
" or "HAHAHAHAHA I H4X0R3D J0R G4M3 H4W!!11"
-- Any sort of obnoxious behavior which draws attention to yourself or the people you are with.
-- Assuming that because a Japanese player appears to be AFK or idle it is safe to talk around them. IT IS
NOT SAFE TO TALK AROUND THEM.
-- Bringing more people into this game WITHOUT giving them this explanation or the equivalent in detail and seriousness.
My ADVICE to you is:
-- Stick to the LEAST POPULATED areas of the game possible.
-- Keep in mind that there may be no distinguishing a regular Japanese player from a CAPCOM ADMIN.
-- Remember that even if the coast is clear, Japanese players may join into your server. Remember that this is their game, not yours. It may be an inconvenience to you, but you are the one with something to lose. If they show up, shut up (immediately). If you need to continue your conversation, use instant messages. If that's not feasible, go on a quest with the person(s) you're speaking with and talk in privacy.
-- Keep in mind if you can see a Japanese player on your player list, that player CAN HEAR YOU. The chat is not location or earshot based. Just because you are in your house and a Japanese player is in the forge, does not mean that they are not seeing your conversation. This may seem like a no-brainer to experienced Monster Hunter players, but to new players who are used to other online games, this may come as a complete surprise.
Now, you may be saying to yourself, "But I talk to plenty of Japanese players, and they're nice people." That's correct, many of them are nice people who think it's awesome that Americans are playing their game. However, all it's going to take is one prick to send in a report with your name, and one admin to check his reports, and you're done.
This was not a big issue when it was a handful of English-speaking players and a relatively low risk factor of becoming exposed. However, more English-speaking players are being brought in by their friends every single day, and they must be aware of the responsibilities. Otherwise, it's just going to be a matter of time before this little operation becomes too big to conceal any longer.
None of us want our Monster Hunter Frontier experience cut short because of someone's stupid mistake. I don't mean for this to sound draconian and I'm certainly not trying to be an asshole, but if we want to play, we need to be smart about it. Make sure that no English-speaking player out there goes without getting this notice or at very least an explanation of these points.