Players of World of Warcraft: Forever are expressing significant discontent over Blizzard's handling of a recent incident involving streamer Ziqo and the acquisition of in-game gold. The situation has reignited long-standing frustrations regarding bots and real-money transactions (RMT) within the MMORPG, particularly in the context of the ongoing beta for WoW: Forever.
During a livestream leading up to a $100,000 WoW: Forever beta dueling tournament scheduled for October 17, Ziqo was observed accepting substantial amounts of gold from low-level characters. In one instance, he received 380 gold, an amount considered exceptionally large for the current beta phase, acknowledging that the sum was unlikely to be legitimately earned. He subsequently accepted another 175 gold from a different player.
This event raised immediate concerns within the community. Players viewed it not only as evidence that gold buying remains prevalent despite Blizzard's assurances of stricter enforcement but also as a potential means for Ziqo to gain an unfair advantage in the upcoming tournament by purchasing necessary in-game items. The WoW Classic subreddit became a focal point for player complaints, with many calling for Blizzard to take action.
Blizzard, through community manager Kaivax, reiterated its stance on RMT in WoW: Forever in a forum post on September 28. While the company has consistently targeted gold sellers, Kaivax stated that Blizzard would increasingly penalize gold buyers as well. "It's important to know that while we have always actioned RMT seller's accounts as quickly as possible, we will increasingly take action against buyers' accounts," Kaivax wrote. "That means that we will remove the illicit gold from the recipient and/or take further actions, which can include closing accounts." The post also advised players to be wary of accepting gifts or engaging in one-sided transactions, warning that those who knew or should have known the gold's illegitimate origin could face account actions.
Ziqo has reportedly had the ill-gotten gold removed from his account, along with some gold he earned legitimately. However, as of this report, no further penalties have been applied to his account. This outcome has led many WoW Classic subreddit users to call for Blizzard to uphold its stated policy and impose further consequences on Ziqo, arguing that his awareness of the gold's likely illicit nature should warrant stricter action.
"We can all agree it's not good for the integrity of the game when streamers get showered with free gold on stream," one Reddit user commented. "Treat everyone equally. Streamers should have to watch what they accept for free, just like any other player."
Beyond potential account bans, some community members are advocating for Ziqo's exclusion from the tournament by its organizers. Others on the game's forums have called for permanent bans for any accounts caught engaging in RMT, suggesting that streamers should be made an example of to deter such behavior. The uncertainty surrounding further punishment for Ziqo has caused many in the WoW: Forever community to question Blizzard's commitment to combating both gold buying and selling.
The WoW: Forever beta, which requires a $60 purchase for access, is ongoing until October 21. This updated version of WoW Classic, featuring over 1,000 new quests, dungeons, raids, and zones, has proven popular, prompting Blizzard to increase the beta's population cap multiple times. The full launch of WoW: Forever is scheduled for November 4.