Yesterday we reported that a group of determined hobbyist developers were hard at work on a StarCraft II mod which they are calling “World of StarCraft.” The custom game is being developed using the StarCraft II map editor, and is shaping up rather nicely.

Today it has emerged that Activision is not happy with the project, and has ordered videos of the game which were uploaded to Youtube to be taken down. Apart from the use of the name “World of StarCraft” there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the project. The developers are simply doing exactly what Blizzard prescribes the map editor for; creating a custom game within the StarCraft II framework, making use of all the available assets.

Project spokesman Ryan Winzen has posted his forums an open letter to Blizzard regarding the incident:

Dear Blizzard,

Thank you for coming all this way in your nice suit to my crummy forum. I’m guessing you’re a little upset with me right now, or maybe you’re happy. I don’t know.

You created a tool that allowed us to do anything with your assets. You encouraged us to use your assets and were eager to see what we might come up with. You had to have seen this coming?

I know it’s hard to trust someone you’ve never met to piggyback on your own legacy. The brilliance of Starcraft combined with the multiplayer focus of World of Warcraft. You might be a little worried about your lore being butchered… or even more-so worried about a guy with no supervision tainting the name of your company with poor product.

Let me assure you that I am in no way shape or form going to deliver anything less than complete perfection[edit: close to perfection]. I’ve been following your work since Warcraft. I’ve worked with every editor you’ve put out since I was 13 years old.

I’m 25 now and I’ve never made a single penny from any of my artwork. I exist only to entertain people and make this world we live in a more colorful and exciting place. I’m not even a programmer. I hate programming. I’m a charcoal artist.

But ever since I was very young it has always been my dream in life to create an epic game for people to enjoy. I’m just trying to finally get my name out there and show people what I can do.

This market is so oversaturated right now and you guys get thousands of applicants every month. Most guys who do get a job working in video games right now are driven like slaves working with little creative control. But you know what… I’m a virgin in the industry. Because my talent has never tasted a penny, I remember the core of gaming. I remember the heart of gaming, and I know what people love.

AND I’M HERE TO DELIVER

If you have a problem with what I am doing… or would like to talk about it. I’m all ears. But please don’t send me some messenger with a cease and desist letter. I’m aware of the similiarities between this situation and FreeCraft.

This game holds possibilities for both of us. The custom maps sector is dying out, and less and less people are logging into SC2 NA. I truly believe this is a step in the right direction.

Furthermore, if you like this idea and would be willing to grant me a seal of approval to continue… that would be wonderful. I won’t let you down.

~Cordially, Ryan Winzen

We will be keeping a close eye on this story, and it remains to be seen whether the project goes forward. If so, we are pretty sure the name will be changed.

Discuss ‘World of StarCraft’ fan made mod in the forums