> Well to use it with a non-Blizzard service that is a violation of the Terms of Service...

> Yep, but as I have said over and over and over the client software in use is hacked Blizzard software.

Of course, now if the kid tries to use it, Blizzard will sue for using their IP.

Okay. Before we go any further, do you understand that the software that the servers run is not Blizzard’s server application?

> Of course it is about playing it for free. You are just dressing it up under the guise of how pretend Internet law works.

This isn’t about not being able to play for free, you brainless twit. I played for a total of two weeks. That’s it. This is about IP laws and bad business.

> In order to use it you have to use the client that Blizzard DID write, and use assets that Blizzard created.

I’m confused. Why is it unsurprising?

> They took the interface and application and brought up a server.

“It is what it is” is a cop-out. Not happy with the current IP laws? Let’s actually voice our position. But even if they are technically within their legal rights (I would disagree as current IP laws are unconstitutional in my view - see my discussion on that, if you haven’t already), their position on the matter is…

> all the old maps are still there though, and you can play all the old content if u so much want it. outlands, northerend, pandaria its all still there.

The game engine itself is not Blizzard’s. I’ve explained this before. The core is a custom ground up implementation of a server, which is compatible with the WoW file types and transmission protocols.

Go ask on Quora. There are a fair number of legal experts there. I can’t. I became too vocal about the religiophobia there and was banned, but you confirm or reject the position easily.

From what I can tell, the map files, DBC files, etc are not used in modern implementations. You would not be able to populate a server using those older files and create a modern game.

> They’re still operating the game, so how could they release it for people to play for free?

> “I was going to subscribe but then they shut down my pirated version of the game!”

> It would hurt their bottom line. They would lose the rights to protect their IP if hey let other people run WoW servers.

> Possibly because they’re concerned about the IP outside of MMOs? You realize that both Hearthstone and Heroes of the Storm use the Warcraft IP, right?

> Given Blizzard’s actions with turning Project Titan into Overwatch, I’d guess that Blizzard is gradually moving out of the MMO game.

> Except for the fact that WoW is an MMO which means it is a game designed to be changed over time. It’s kind of implicit in the genre.