Chris Maginnis writes:
"Back when MMO games began to grow in popularity, MMO gamers became jealous of a single player gamers ability to pirate their games. Free private server emulation was born. Today many of the latest games, including World of Warcraft, are available on free to play private servers. But are they legal? And what is the benefit of playing on a private server?
A private server is the common name for a server emulator. Essentially, a private server emulates the functions of a normal MMO server. It allows users to login and play as they would on a normal retail server. Private servers have gained their player base by being free to play and through content customisation. At the same time, they have been criticised for poor performance and low player population. There is mixed truth on both sides."
CCP Games has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for their sci-fi MMO EVE Online in 2024, headlined by the massive Equinox expansion set to launch on June 11th.
Blizzard Entertainment has announced the opening of beta registrations for “World of Warcraft: The War Within,” inviting players to explore new subterranean worlds beneath Azeroth.
Danish from eXputer: "Despite Blizzard's attempt to give a fresh new spin to World of Warcraft, some fans still seem to be stuck in the past."
This is a tough issue. On the one hand, I'd go with private. If you paid for the game box, then you have a right to play the game. If the monthly subscription is for hosting, game dev events, and constant updates, well you should be able to choose not to pay for those.
But on the other hand, the monthly fee is a major part of what pays for the development of the game in the first place.
Well if they are only making the cost to run the servers it wouldn't be as bad.But if they are making a profit without paying the developers a fair share it is bad.
Interesting debate, though I have to think that if we all went to private servers, there would be no revenue stream to pay for new games.
Best Free shard ever. I was just running my thief build last night, chasing down PKers and stealing some Vanquishing weapons!!
Woot!
(and i'll be on tonight too)