Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2 Devs Won’t Say Whether They’ll Ban Elon Musk for Account Boosting

Elon Musk's admission of paying for account boosting in Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2 has sparked controversy, with fans questioning the integrity of the games and demanding action from developers Blizzard Entertainment and Grinding Gear Games. Screenshots of a private conversation revealed Musk's use of account boosting, a violation of both games' terms of service that involves paying others to level up accounts.

This practice, also known as power-leveling, allows players to artificially inflate their rank and progress. Blizzard's EULA explicitly prohibits this paid service. Following the revelation, both developers have been pressed to comment on whether they will ban Musk's accounts. Players have expressed their disappointment on official forums, arguing that Musk's actions undermine fair play and the effectiveness of real money trading (RMT) enforcement. Both Grinding Gear Games and Blizzard have declined to comment on individual player accounts or enforcement actions.

Musk has previously boasted about his gaming skills, claiming a top 20 global ranking in Diablo IV and showcasing a high-level Path of Exile 2 character (since deceased). However, his gameplay has been scrutinized, with some questioning his ability to dedicate the necessary time given his numerous business commitments. A livestream further fueled speculation, showing Musk struggling with basic game mechanics.

The NikoWrex video, featuring a direct message exchange with Musk, confirmed his use of account boosting, claiming it was necessary to compete with Asian players. Musk clarified that while he personally streams and posts gameplay videos, the high-level accounts were achieved through the efforts of multiple players. He questioned the need for an apology.

Musk's ex-partner, Grimes, offered a defense, citing personal observations of Musk's gaming skill in other titles. Further allegations emerged, suggesting Musk's Path of Exile 2 character was active while he attended the Trump inauguration in Washington. The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding account boosting, fair play, and the response of game developers to high-profile offenders.