Bashiok (Link)
This is a notice that were making changes in 3.3.5 in attempts to break the ability for the AVR (Augmented Virtual Reality) mod to continue functioning. For those unaware, this mod allows players to draw in the 3D space of the game world, which can then be shared with others who are also using the mod. In some cases this manifests itself through drawing/tagging/defacing the game world, but more popularly is used to give visual guides for dungeon and raid encounters.
Were making this change for two reasons. The invasive nature of a mod altering and/or interacting with the game world (virtually or directly) is not intended and not something we will allow. World of Warcraft UI addons are never intended to interact with the game world itself. This is mirrored in our stance and restriction of model and texture alterations. The second reason is that it removes too much player reaction and decision-making while facing dungeon and raid encounters. While some other mods also work to this end, we find that AVR and the act of visualizing strategy within the game world simply goes beyond what were willing to allow.
The change were making in attempts to break the functionality is light in its touch and approach. When blocking any functionality we run the risk of affecting other mods, but weve targeted the changes as carefully as possible. If we find that the AVR mod (or any mod attempting to replicate its functions) are usable after 3.3.5 we will take further, more drastic steps.
It was good while it lasted. For those who weren't aware of AVR (Augment Virtual Reality), it is a mod that allows you to "draw" pictures and objects on top of textures in World of Warcraft. This mod is unlike anything previously available in WoW and was revolutionary in the sense that it visually displays boss encounter mechanics which made them easy to avoid and deal with. A more in depth guide to AVR is available here in our AVR mod review.
I predicted when it released that AVR's functionality was powerful enough that it was likely Blizzard would take action against it. Their rationale that it trivializes encounters too much is unsurprising and probably correct. It is just a shame in my opinion that they are unable to break the functionality of AVRE, the raid encounter mod, without breaking AVR which is a really cool and fun tool on its own.
You'll be able to make the most of AVR up to patch 3.3.5 at which time it will be broken permanently, so live it up while you still can!
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