CCP Reverses Permaban on Real Life Politician Accused of In-Game Corruption

From Joseph Bradford:

Today, CCP Games announced the reversal of their lifetime ban on Brisc Rubal, one of the members of the Council of Stellar Management who was permabanned two weeks ago by CCP.

Rubal, whose real name is Brian Shoeneman, a real life politician who ran for the CSM last year using his experience in actual politics as part of his platform. Shoeneman, along with two others, was accused of leaking NDA information to fuel insider trading. The fact that Shoeneman tied his real-life job to his in-game persona made the accusation all the more compelling. Last week, CCP Games released an interim blog, detailing they were reopening their investigation into the ban to ensure the decision was correct. The article read almost like prepping for an apology. Today that apology came, with CCP apologizing not only to the players involved, but the entire EVE Online community. “We made a mistake here and we offer our formal apologies. First, to Brisc Rubal and the two other players involved, both for making the allegations and for the disturbance and stress caused by the way in which we handled this situation. Second, for not collaborating with due care with the members of CSM 13, who have acted responsibly throughout. Lastly, we owe our sincere apology to the EVE community for this error. We take full responsibility for any confusion and mistrust caused by our initial assessment of the situation.” When reached for comment, CCP sent MMORPG the following statement in conjunction with Brisc Rubal:

“Following the conclusion of CCP’s investigation, and the reversal of actions taken against him on April 8th, both CCP Games and Brian Schoeneman are satisfied with the final resolution of the incident as described below and in CCP’s full statement on the matter.

CCP Games apologizes to all involved parties and retracts the allegations, having confirmed upon further investigation that all information provided leading to the initial action declaring wrongdoing was unsubstantiated. CCP Games will be providing reparations, including the reinstatement of Schoeneman’s Brisc Rubal game accounts in EVE Online and rescinding the one-year bans placed upon the other two players.

Brian Schoeneman has accepted CCP Games’ apology. Schoeneman understands that while CCP’s response was in error, it was not conducted with prejudice or intent to harm, and Schoeneman holds no ill-will or residual acrimony against CCP.

Regarding Schoeneman’s status on the CSM, given the small amount of time left in CSM XIII, Schoeneman has chosen to resign from the CSM, and does not intend to run for CSM XIV. He is welcome to run for future CSMs, if he so chooses. CCP would like to thank him for his service and his contributions to EVE Online.

Due to the nature of the incident and the significant press coverage it has garnered, both parties wish this to be the final official word on this matter. No further statements will be made by either CCP Games or Brian Schoeneman on the resolution of the incident.”

Rubal has also confirmed he will not be continuing his current term on CSM XIII.

Since folks are asking, I've chosen to resign from the CSM. There's not much time left in the term, and I need a break after all of this. Maybe in the future I'll consider running again, but this has been tough for me and the fam and I could use the time off. #tweetfleet

— Brian W. Schoeneman (@BrianSchoeneman) April 25, 2019