Blizzard’s new policy bans World of Warcraft boosting organizations

Blizzard issued Monday’s statement regarding a policy shift in World of WarcraftFans were interested in the information. The developer is updating their policies in order to stop “organizations excessively advertising various non-traditional services in-game,” which includes boosting, matchmaking, and escrow.

This policy is aimed at large-scale organizations that operate these services across multiple realms, but fans worry it doesn’t go far enough. This statement says:

To ensure the best possible gameplay experience, World of Warcraft is constantly changing. We have noticed an increase in gameplay disruptions due to organizations promoting non-traditional services.

Today, we have made it clear that organizations offering boosting, matchmaking or escrow will be prohibited. Accounts in World of Warcraft that violate this policy will be subject to account action. This could include account suspensions or warnings. If necessary, the account can be permanently closed. Excessive advertising of non-traditional in-game sales by organizations operating on multiple realms is against the Blizzard End User License Agreement (EULA).

This policy update does not restrict individuals or guilds from using the provided in-game tools (“trade channel” chat) to buy or sell in-game items or activities for in-game currency. However, “boosting communities”, especially those who operate across multiple realms, are no longer permitted.

All such organisations are urged to immediately cease all business dealings in World of Warcraft in order for the game to continue to be available.

The term “boosting” covers an umbrella of services based around players having content automated for them; this can include leveling from 1-60, or going into the toughest content available in the game and walking out with fun achievements and the newest mounts.

Fans have already noted concerns about this statement — specifically, that it only goes after the biggest operations. Guilds and individuals can still use the trade chat to sell their services — like a paid run through the latest raid tier or access to the latest mount that drops off a rare boss. Indeed, this policy may funnel organizations into trade chat as a “safe zone” for these offers.

There is no clear distinction between a guild, or organization. Many organizations congregate on platforms other than Discord, which allows them to reach a greater client base, and also allow them to freely market their services. Group Finder is often clogged up by advertisements for boosted runs. This policy will hopefully clear it up.

While this may be a great first step for some, it is not enough. World of Warcraft fans. There’s still a loophole that allows organizations to rebrand as “guilds,” but that may be addressed in future. Others are still unsure if they should support Blizzard via. World of WarcraftWith the legal problems currently faced by developers. Activision Blizzard continues to be involved in a California lawsuit over claims of widespread sexual harassment.