Notes

Breakfast Topic: Are Private Servers Really that Bad?

Blizzard has a clear policy regarding private servers: they're in violation of the rules. If you have one or are playing on one you're going to get in trouble. DATCHLEY IS BLOGGING Your account will get shut down and you'll be facing legal issues If you don't heed their demands.



But is their position correct? Is it really that big of a deal for private servers?



There are two ways I view the issue. One approach is to look at the issue through the lens of morality and legalese. In this respect Blizzard is on solid ground. They control Warcraft and all the associated games, as well as the servers that we play on. We don't buy the property when we buy the game. We're purchasing the right to use the game as long as they pay a monthly fee and we adhere to their rules (the terms and conditions).



Some might argue that there is an inherent right to privacy when you have purchased the game and all of its data. Blizzard does not have the right to tell us what we do with the game or what we do with it. While I'm not a lawyer, it is a fascinating debate.



Whatever the legal debate might be when it comes down to playing on a private server is ethically and legally legal. It is wrong and shouldn't be done.



But let's look at it through the lens of capitalism and consumerism. In this sense Blizzard is on less stable ground.



The purpose of Blizzard or any company (yes even WoW Insider in the end) is to generate cash for its investors. They accomplish this by developing a product that people love to use and purchase. They've done an incredible job in this regard. Many of us spend hundreds of Dollars a year on World of Warcraft. You can also spend thousands of dollars on World of Warcraft by going to BlizzCon and the World Wide Invitational. The majority of this money goes to Blizzard.



Ask yourself for a minute what a private server can do.



It allows players to play a game they like for no cost.



What happens when you play a game that you like? A game with addictive qualities like WoW is a great example.



You're ready to play more. You want to play more. And moar!



If you're playing on a private server you'll soon find yourself in a situation where you'd like to play on the retail servers offered by Blizzard. What does this mean? They will have more money in their pockets.



While the amount we're talking about isn't that significant when compared to the cash cow that Blizzard is milking, it's still not negligible. But if they can see an increase in profits due to the private server market as well, then it's in their capitalist interest to allow it to continue because in the end it will increase demand for their product and will put more money in their pockets and make their investors happy.



You might disagree with some of the arguments, but that's okay. My thinking is flawed. You can debate about it for years. You're familiar with the history of the internet and the philosophy behind it. The same logic is used to justify software piratery or warez.



However, this does raise an interesting question. Are private severs really that bad?



I'm not going to say that I, nor WoW Insider or anyone else associated with our site, condones private servers or software piratery. It's a bad idea and it drains money from the hardworking individuals who make these games. Don't do it. If you're looking to earn some money, you can go out and shovel some snow or cut some grass.


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