It’s turned in to a demoralising evening so far tonight, and I’m not even referring to the impending U.S Election Results, lol. Instead, I’m slightly upset by the breaking news that Blizzard has decided to change its policy on players using third-party broadcasting software to Multibox.
The Policy Change:
With Blizzard’s new policy, they will now, in the first instance, be handing out warnings to players caught using any third-party software for Multiboxing, and further uses will incur either suspensions or even permanent bans. I’d recommend not using Isboxer, or any other third-party software as of tonight (03.11.2020), to prevent any potential issues. Better safe than sorry!
While third-party software use is now an actionable offense, Blizzard has confirmed that you can still Multibox without third-party software and use multiple accounts at any one time.
IsBoxer Statement:
IsBoxer have released a statement, which I’ve added below. They’re seeking further clarification from Blizzard, regarding their policy changes. They have made a good example of how EVEonline changed their policy regarding use of third-party software, yet it’s not banned.
Sadly for me, my current Lavish subscription doesn’t expire until May 26th, 2023. But even if Blizzard allow the use of Isboxer, without the use of broadcasting keys, I may still be interested in the software. Isboxer has two great functions, that aid multiboxing that doesn’t breach Blizzards new policy. The use of their Window Layout profiles and their CPU management tools.
In-game Repercussions:
Tonight’s news will have repercussions on the economy, undoubtedly for good; otherwise, Blizzard wouldn’t have acted. Items farmed by multiboxers will have the biggest effect, and if you play the Auction House like me, you may want to buy a lot of these cheap items. The items I mention below should be considered viable to purchase and flip as the supply begins to drop, and the demand increases, so will the value.
Many materials (Ore, Leather and Cloth) will have a demand until the Scourge Invasion release, and the need for Uncanny pieces is no longer needed. Cloth may be viable for crafting Deep Sea bag, Embroidered Deep Sea Bag, as the new bag won’t be available until Shadowlands releases.
Reminder: Please do bear in mind that while Multiboxers are no longer a viable option, there’s a possibility that pre-made group farming via Discords or the in-game Community system may be an alternative for farmers. Please adapt over the coming days/weeks.
BFA Items to Consider Investing:
Cloth:
Leather:
Mob drop Mounts (unique only one allowed in your inventory):
- Captured Dune Scavenger
- Chewed-On Reins of the Terrified Pack Mule
- Goldenmane’s Rains
- Reins of a Tamed Bloodfeaster
Transmog:
- Island Expedition Transmog
- Ilvl 60 BoEs (e.g. Teebu’s Scorching Straight Sword, etc)
Herbs:*
Ore:*
To Be Updated:
You’ll notice that I’ve added an asterisk beside Ore and Herbs. Because the new policy prevents multiboxing, this may not affect botters. Botters are the main culprits farming herbs and ore (mainly in Nazjatar), and the return of vast amounts of cheap herbs this week suggests their return! Botters don’t care about policies and ToS, so they’ll possibly continue!
Conclusion:
While this change has had a massive effect on me and many other Multiboxers, I must add that I did feel it was something that was going to happen. The uproar in the World of Warcraft community regarding Multiboxers, undoubtedly forced Blizzard’s hand in bringing a change for the benefit of the game going forward. However, I do feel a lot of remorse for the big boxers in-game, the likes of Skitzyo, PreparedWoW and Pechthefarmer.
With Shadowlands on the cusp of releasing, and the recent release of the Blizzards earnings results, probably meant if they were going to make a dramatic change, it was now or never. Blizzards next earnings results will show if this had a major effect on their revenue.
While I weep on the fact I have 3 years remaining on my Isboxer subscription; 6 months subscription remaining on my 8 WoW accounts, I now have the tough task of consolidating all my characters to three accounts; at least there’s a 30% discount to character transfers lol!
Thanks for reading, and good luck to all Americans that turned out to vote!