WoW: Forever has a new kind of ban to deal with real money trading
Blizzard appears to be using a new “account action” in World of Warcraft to tackle real money trading (RMT) in WoW: Forever, a fan-run server project. The action blocks affected accounts from using the Auction House, limiting a key way players trade items and gold.
The change follows reports that RMT was affecting the project, though the article provides no figures for how many accounts have been restricted. It describes the measure as a targeted response to trading activity, rather than a conventional account ban.
- WoW: Forever accounts can be blocked from the Auction House.
- The restriction is aimed at real money trading.
- The article gives no count of affected accounts.
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World of Warcraft is an online game in which players explore a fantasy world, complete quests and trade items with one another. Its Auction House is an in-game marketplace where players buy and sell goods using game currency.
WoW: Forever is a fan-run server project, separate from Blizzard’s official game servers. Real money trading means exchanging in-game goods or currency for real-world money, which can affect how players acquire items and use the game’s economy.
Blizzard is the company behind World of Warcraft. Restricting Auction House access can limit a player’s ability to trade in-game, while leaving their account usable in other ways.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Restricting Auction House access could curb real-money trading while avoiding a full ban, allowing affected players to keep playing. A targeted measure may also protect the game’s economy and players who want trading to remain fair.
The case against
The Auction House is a core way to trade, so blocking access can substantially limit ordinary play, especially if the restriction is mistaken or hard to appeal. Without figures or clear details about how accounts are identified, players may reasonably question whether the response is proportionate and consistently applied.