The politician Brian Schoeneman was banned in the MMORPG EVE Online for allegedly violating the NDA and leaking confidential information as a member of the Council of Stellar Management, as well as committing insider trading.
Who is Brian Schoeneman? The politician and lobbyist is part of the North American “Seafarers International Union,” which advocates for maritime rights in the US state of Virginia. He is also an enthusiastic player of the space MMORPG EVE Online, known there as “Brisc Rubal.”
In EVE Online, he was until recently a member of the Council of Stellar Management (CSM), an association of players meant to represent EVE fans. The Council receives confidential information about the game from CCP Games, which is then discussed. This information is subject to an NDA, a non-disclosure agreement.
Did a politician engage in insider trading in EVE Online?
Why was he banned? Schoeneman was permanently banned for leaking confidential information and also for insider trading.
CCP Games explains in a statement that the accusations came directly from the CSM, as this represents a threat to the integrity of the Council. CCP Games takes such accusations very seriously and responded promptly.
How does Schoeneman respond to the allegations? The politician expresses complete confusion over the ban. He states that he does not even know what the problem is. Moreover, he is disappointed that he has not received a response from CCP Games regarding his inquiries.
As a lawyer, he has worked in many positions of trust, and there have never been any accusations against him of misusing that trust. The allegations against him would imply that he risks his reputation through actions in a video game. Therefore, he sees no reason to do something like that.
He therefore denies the allegations and intends to fight the ban in EVE Online with all means possible.
Was it all just a trap?
What do players think about the situation? Players also express some confusion. The question arises whether a politician would really risk their reputation by engaging in insider trading in a video game. Moreover, there is the possibility that he was set up by a fellow player. Underhanded actions occur in EVE time and again.
PhasmaFelis states on Reddit: “It is quite conceivable that it is a trap set by an in-game enemy. This makes sense if they have discovered your true identity.”
However, there are also EVE fans who are upset about the situation and find it impossible that a person in this position would abuse trust to such an extent – if the matter is true.
jackcatalyst states on Reddit: “How corrupt do you have to be to get banned from EVE?”
