World of Warcraft server simulator

Update 2007-08-24: As much as I hate to close off the only post I've ever made with any traction, I've got nothing to do with WDDG or any other WoW server so comments have been disabled.

Update 2005-11-24: WDDG seems to be down. Google provides this as an alternate link for information - http://www.wddg.6x.to

Last week I discovered a World of Warcraft server simulator created by the World Database Development Group and today I have some information about it.



Read on for more...

Incredibly, the server works very well. There are things that don't work (like some spells) and more than a few bugs, but the game is quite playable. One can create a character, pump up its stats, and walk right into the Burning Steppes, as pictured below:



There are many changes from the official version that I think stem from not having access to the server-side patches that Blizzard has made. Flavour text is different in many cases, and I'm sure that I never noticed hat vendors before:



MMORPG server simulators are great for groups of up to ~50 people who want to play as a private community without interference from the public. In the case of WoW, Blizzard's reluctance to hold live events can be bypassed by holding one's own special events.

Blizzard is quite clear that they don't want anyone using private servers:

B. agree that you shall not, under any circumstances,

(iii) host, provide or develop matchmaking services for the Game or intercept, emulate or redirect the communication protocols used by Licensor in any way, including, without limitation, through protocol emulation, tunneling, packet sniffing, modifying or adding components to the Game, use of a utility program or any other techniques now known or hereafter developed, for any purpose, including, but not limited to, unauthorized network play over the Internet, network play utilizing commercial or non-commercial gaming networks or as part of content aggregation networks;

WDDG says this in response:

Q: I see Blizzard has attacked and destroyed, often illegaly, many such server simulators. How is this one legal?
A: It is NOT legal. However, it is also NOT illegal.
The core is made in Latvia where their are NO computer laws.
As the program is released world wide, it is subject to the conditions of where it is created. Blizzard generally will attack anyone they view as competition.

Q: Does that mean, Blizzard can't touch me if I host this server?
A: In theory, yes, but in practice, wrong. They will do anything they can to shut you, your host if any, and ISP down!

It is best to not host this server within the U.S.A. as America has the most corrupt, greedy laws, and the least amount of freedom.

Having already played WoW for several months, I can't see myself resuming play on any server, official or otherwise. But if you're not burned out on WoW yet, here are some resources for setting up your own private server:

World Database Development Group
Build a Server FAQ
Emulator Bugs & Issues
Official WDDG FAQ