Code of Conduct

Bungie.net Code of Conduct
(Last updated March 12, 2008)

Preamble

Here at Bungie LLC (“Bungie”), we're super cool. So cool in fact, that the last thing we want is for "The Man" to come down here, getting up in our faces and start telling us what we can and can't do. At the same time, however, we know from bitter experience that on occasion, it's nice to have a clear set of guidelines that can be counted upon for your protection. Nothing is more annoying than being surrounded by a bunch of Flood combat and infection forms and explaining to them that you were just trying to keep their buddies "warm" when your flamethrower ran out of napalm. So strictly speaking, these rules are here not so much to restrict you as they are to keep your head planted firmly on your shoulders without the added "convenience" of a spine-feeding infection form.

Bear in mind, however, that these rules are for everyone's protection and that by using the services provided on these pages, you agree to abide by these rules or invite midnight visits by vanloads of undead lawyers. Oh, and we might get huffy and refuse to make any more games. You should also be aware that the various communities, clubs and organizations which have made this place their home may have minor household deities, customs and more general rules of etiquette which you must respect lest you incur their wrath as well.

All activity on the Bungie Web Sites is also governed by the Bungie.net Terms of Use.

Please note that Halo is rated M17+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board and that we strive to enforce the age ratings and guidelines. Please visit The Entertainment Software Rating Board for further information.

Bungie is not responsible for the content or activities in any user-created elements of the Bungie Web Sites or non-Bungie managed communication service. We reserve the right to terminate your access to any Bungie Web Sites communication service or delete without notice content found to be in violation of this Code of Conduct.

The services provided on these pages are designed for non-commercial, individual use. Some information you provide or upload to Bungie Web Sites may be stored outside of the country in which you reside. These rules may be changed at any time, to suit our whim and fancy and you are responsible for periodically reviewing and complying with any new rules. Ignorance is not the same as innocence.

The Short Version

Bungie controls everything. You have no rights. Play nice.

The Long Version

(For those of you who enjoy the various ramblings of various Bungie employees or who simply need a more detailed description on what "play nice" means.)

Love Thy Neighbor

Or at least tolerate them publicly.

Ahem. The Bungie.net Web Site comprises various Web pages, including Bungie.com, Bungie.net, "7th Column" and Bungie Store operated by Microsoft or its affiliates (collectively, the "Bungie Web Sites").

The Bungie Web Sites and the services provided therein are not to be used to transmit any unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable content, as determined by any Bungie Web Sites employee, designee or admin. This includes material which a user may find embarrassing or which may cause distress, unwanted attention or discomfort to them. It also includes vulgar and abusive language, even when masked by symbolic characters, and includes login names, screen names and club names.

We reserve the right to remove, at any time and without notice, any user or group for violations of this Code of Conduct.

The impersonation of any Bungie employee is (as you might expect) completely forbidden, as is the impersonation of any other Bungie Web Sites user. Spamming should not even be contemplated. Spam includes sending identical and irrelevant or unsolicited submissions to many different users, and includes misrepresenting the source of anything you post.

Users use Bungie Web Sites at their own risk and of their own volition.

Render Unto Caesar

Bungie does not permit behavior or content related to illegal activities. If you violate the law, you will be responsible for the consequences. You agree not to use Bungie Web Sites to publish, post, distribute, or disseminate defamatory, infringing, obscene, or other unlawful material or discussion. This includes, but is not limited to, child pornography, bestiality, incest, illegal drugs, software and other forms of piracy, racketeering, money laundering, blackmail, murder, prostitution, slavery, lumpy pudding (if its not illegal, it should be), fraud, cannibalism, theft, vigilantism, harassment, and acts of treason.

You may not use Bungie Web Sites for the purpose of linking to external sites that violate this Code of Conduct.

Do not upload files or post messages that contain photos, music, software or other material protected by intellectual property laws, rights of privacy or publicity, or any other applicable law unless you own or control the rights thereto or have received all necessary consents. Bungie is not responsible for any use of material posted by users.

While we're on the subject of intellectual property, we'd like to remind you that plagiarism is strictly forbidden on the Bungie Web Sites. Do not claim authorship of anything you did not actually create yourself.

Do not post or promote any materials that contain destructive content such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses or other materials that could harm or disrupt another user's computer or would allow others to inappropriately access software or web sites.

In addition to upholding this Code of Conduct, you are responsible for adhering to all applicable local and national laws.

Don't Blame Us!

(We just work here)

We offer you the ability to create multiple communication services; however, we take no responsibility for the structure or content in these areas. The creators or hosts of these user-created areas are required to agree to and uphold this Code of Conduct before creating their respective groups or clubs and are liable for all activities and content. We encourage creators/admins to ban from their areas other members who violate this Code of Conduct.

The Bungie Web Sites are not designed as the primary place to store any materials; you are responsible for creating backups of materials you post to any group or club such as photos and documents. Neither Bungie nor Microsoft are responsible for loss of access to, deletion, alteration, or restoration of any materials associated with a group or club and reserves the right to remove any user-created content from the Bungie Web Sites at any time without notice.

You are responsible for all of your activities on the Bungie Web Sites and for any actions you may take based on advice or information you receive online. Use your own judgment when evaluating information provided through any group or club, and remember that the information provided could be from people at any age or experience level, and who may not have your best interests in mind. The decision to conduct transactions is your own and you should perform your own research prior to making any decisions.

Always Use Protection

We caution you against giving out any personally identifiable information (such as social security number, credit card number, name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, password, etc.) online. This information can easily be used for illegal or harmful purposes. Just because the rules prohibit people from misrepresenting themselves doesn't mean that they'll obey. You never really know who you're talking to.

You are responsible for protecting your computer against interference or viruses that may be encountered on the Internet and Bungie communication services. We do not screen, backup, or restore user-created material stored within The Bungie Web Sites. We recommend you install a virus protection program on your computer and keep it up to date.

Some content and links on the Internet contain adult content that is not suitable for children or people with sensitive dispositions. We encourage parents to join their children as they explore the Internet to be aware of and exercise control over the material encountered, and to ensure your children do not post images of themselves, school records, or any other identifying information that could be used in a harmful manner. We reserve the right to amend or change the Code of Conduct at any time and encourage you to periodically review these guidelines to ensure you are in compliance. And make sure there's nothing secret or funny in them. What if we put Halo cheats in here? Or like, a description of our next game? And you never came here. You'd totally miss it!