Not many might know about this but Blizzard has started cracking down hard on NSFW artists.
The most recent one was Rexxcraft/RexxWorld who has been making content since TBC.
After getting legal advice from his legal advisors and lawyers Rexx had a very solid case against blizzard, but he decided he would not go to court over this since he would not put his family through a legal case.
So all of his work and portfolio, almost 10+ years of content will be purged from the net.
This is a really sad situation which is why I feel blizzard should be called out on this instead of it just being swept under the rug.
I will post underneath the message Rexx sent out to his fans/patrons when he first received the news and his response so you can read it in his own words.
But as a fan I really hope it works out for him.
The Troubles
First off, I want to mention that this may change at any time. I am looking into legal counsel but until then drastic measures have been taken.
As you may have noticed, I have taken down almost all the content here on patreon. My site and other social media accounts are also deactivated for the time being. As you all know, I have made my works on the idea that I was protected under “Fair Use”, more specifically in the form of the parody clause and transformative content through my own animations, plus precedent of things like Machinima, and that my creations were simply my own perverted love letter towards the WarCraft universe.
While I was returning home with my children this evening, I was ambushed by a clerk handing me a C&D order in my driveway, which based on what is written was submitted by the lawyers of Blizzard Entertainment.
After breaking down for a good bit, I have started looking into legal council, but as a showing of good faith as to prevent a possible aggressive response I have removed the requested content for the time being. I will say no more till I have properly spoken with counsel and looked into options.
I just wanted to give you all fun content to enjoy, but as of right now, I am floating down a creek without a paddle, and until I get my feet on the ground I have to make sure I protect myself.
No matter what, I will continue to create content, even if I have to change the methods / content at which I do it. I hope you all decide to stick around while I look into it, but if you decide this is too much to handle, I understand if you wish to bail. I am sorry, everyone. Your support of me over the years has allowed me to do what I loved, and no matter what, I will hold that feeling with pride.
Thank you.
Now to hope for the best.
Rexx’s response
The Future
After consulting lawyers and going over possibilities, double checking the angles and risks, I have come to the conclusion that pushing back on this wouldn’t be the option in my best interest. It’s not that I don’t think I would win, on the contrary, it was made clear I have strong legal precedent.
However, it’s not even really about me, but the duress it would put on my family should things go beyond the veil of threats. My poor wife could barely sleep last night due to the worries of a possible lawsuit dragging us into bankruptcy. Even should we win, there is no guarantee the possible years long event wouldn’t undo us before then.
As such, I have decided to fully comply with the request by Blizzard and will stop releasing fan art content using Blizzard IPs. As a lifelong fan of the franchise, having been subscribed nearly non-stop for over ten years, this pains me greatly. The fact all my work over that time will also be shelved hurts too.
So what’s next?
Like a phoenix, I plan to rise out of this. I have been speaking with coders, modelers, my hosts, and others towards a better, unique project, a personal fantasy setting if you will, that I hope to make a reality here. Better yet, should I get this going, I hope to make it the long teased game mentioned before. Blizzard does not have the copyright on orcs and elves, right?
For those still more interested in fan art, I am also looking into different franchises that may be more receptive to fan works and endeavors.
I am sorry to everyone for this mess. All I ever wanted was to enjoy my favorite fantasy setting, create content as a love letter to it for all the years of joy it has brought me. With that at an end, I can only do what I can to move on, and work to be an even better, more varied artist for you all.
For Glory,
Warlord Rexx.