Where to check publisher rules
Start with the strongest official rule, then move to pages about the exact method. The terms of service give broad rules. An official support page can explain how a rule works in practice. Ranked or competitive rules may be stricter.
- Read the publisher's terms of service or user agreement. Do not rely only on a wiki or seller page.
- Find an official support page for account sharing, boosting, trading, currency selling, or account transfer.
- Check the ranked or competitive rules if the method affects competitive play.
- Read the store or console platform agreement too. One game can be covered by more than one set of rules.
- Write down the page and review date. This helps you check the same rule again later.
Evidence for this section: Steam - Subscriber Agreement, Riot Games - Terms of Service, EA Help - Apex Legends rules
Two rule sections matter often
First, check the account section. Some user agreements say an account cannot be sold, shared, or transferred. When that rule applies, changing the email or password does not create ownership that the publisher accepts.
Second, check the conduct section. Some competitive games ban account sharing, playing on another person's account, or raising another account's rank. Breaking these rules can lead to a warning, suspension, rank removal, or account closure. A service can be sold openly and still break the publisher's rules.
Evidence for this section: Steam - Subscriber Agreement, Riot Games - Terms of Service, EA Help - Apex Legends rules
Start with primary sources
A primary source is the rule published by the company that controls the game or platform. Use its official terms, conduct rules, support pages, and competition policy. A community summary can help you find a topic, but it may be old or written for another region.
Search for the exact method
Rules can treat similar methods differently. A game may allow gifting but ban real-money item sales. It may allow coaching but restrict live competitive help. It may also allow limited family access while banning account sales. Search for the exact action you plan to use.
Evidence for this section: Jagex - Rules of Old School RuneScape, EA Help - Apex Legends rules
Rules and enforcement can change
Save the source and the date when a decision matters. A method being technically possible does not mean it is allowed. Avoiding an immediate sanction also does not prove that the method follows the rules.
Beginner questions
Where do I find the rules for my game?
Start with the publisher's terms of service. Then find the official support page for the exact method and check the ranked or competitive rules. Read the store or console agreement too, because one game can be covered by more than one set of rules.
If a service is sold openly, does that mean the game allows it?
No. A marketplace does not set the publisher rules. A service can be widely advertised and still break a game's rules.
The rules do not mention my method. Is it permitted?
Do not treat silence as permission. Search for broader terms such as account sharing, commercial use, real-money trading, outside assistance, or account transfer. Record the page and date, and check again before you act.
Sources and review note
This page is reviewed for clear risk language and beginner usefulness. Publisher rules can change; use primary rules for game-specific decisions. Sources last checked .
- Steam - Subscriber Agreement
- Riot Games - Terms of Service
- Jagex - Rules of Old School RuneScape
- EA Help - Apex Legends rules