So.. I was reading Blizzard's EULA (end user license agreement), and from the looks of it private servers are against their terms of use. I run my own private server, but it has not yet been released to public. I also have a website for my server. So I ask, even though it's against Blizzard's ELUA, is it illegal to run an emulated server of World of Warcraft? I've read that many servers were shut down because Blizzard took action against them. Would it be wise to have an agreement page before entering my website? Saying something like "If you work or have any association with Blizzard you may not enter this website. By pressing ENTER, you agree to the following statement, and can take no legal action against us." Maybe not those exact words, but something along those lines. Also, if you have any good information on this topic please post it.
Blizzard's ELUA statement which I am concerned with.
The license granted to you in Section 1 is subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 1 and 2 (collectively, the "License Limitations"). Any use of the Game in violation of the License Limitations will be regarded as an infringement of Blizzard's copyrights in and to the Game. You agree that you will not, under any circumstances:
E. modify or cause to be modified any files that are a part of the Game Client in any way not expressly authorized by Blizzard;
F. host, provide or develop matchmaking services for the Game or intercept, emulate or redirect the communication protocols used by Blizzard in any way, for any purpose, including without limitation unauthorized play over the internet, network play, or as part of content aggregation networks;
G. facilitate, create or maintain any unauthorized connection to the Game or the Service, including without limitation (a) any connection to any unauthorized server that emulates, or attempts to emulate, the Service; and (b) any connection using programs or tools not expressly approved by Blizzard; or
H. sell, grant a security interest in or transfer reproductions of the Game to other parties in any way not expressly authorized herein, or rent, lease or license the Game to others.