The Future
Added 2019-04-12 03:33:10 +0000 UTCAfter 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.
Comments
I believe they are 'non-ripped' models. Meaning they aren't the models used in the game that have been modified to have....bits. Likely the copyright notice is for using characters with IP names (ie Jaina).
Seteh
2019-04-22 18:51:32 +0000 UTCThis is true. But isnt Rexx using also a models that are made whit 3d modeller? So they are not the models Blizz coders have made? If that is the case then i would say Blizz cant copyright it because its not made by them and the models have CERTAIN differences like privates lol.
Karck.D
2019-04-22 18:24:52 +0000 UTCI dont think they can trade mark fantasy race. I dont think they can trademark even their own "Character" THis Copyright thing is getting out of hand i say!
Karck.D
2019-04-22 18:20:06 +0000 UTC"tell them only that the Lich King is dead, and that Blizzard died with him"
ARavingLooony
2019-04-17 13:51:11 +0000 UTCMuch of your content is in circulation on the web but not everything has been uploaded by you on sites like rule34. How will that affect you? Are you still responsible for that content even if you don't have control over it?
Lazer
2019-04-17 02:40:32 +0000 UTCMy sympathies, and thoughts go out to you my friend.... this is a shame to hear. Blizzard why.... cmon really? Maybe they're running out of people to annually sue in order to keep their copyright :(. Best of luck, and I know you'll do amazing no matter what you choose to do, because that's just a part of who you are and how you create. Warlord Rexx 4life! <3
Firts Lats
2019-04-16 05:46:40 +0000 UTCThey're not even in the right here (as mentioned by Rexx), surely the law wouldn't require them to make bogus C&D orders to maintain the trademark.
Andrey
2019-04-15 23:21:11 +0000 UTCIf my reading comprehension doesn't suck totally the article says that you don't have to police every instance, which Blizzard generally does not. But would never defending against any infringement count as "abondoning" the trademark?
Moejoe
2019-04-14 22:13:38 +0000 UTCNo, you don't. In fact, people are mistaken about that *so* often that the EFF published an article to clarify that. <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/11/trademark-law-does-not-require-companies-tirelessly-censor-internet" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/11/trademark-law-does-not-require-companies-tirelessly-censor-internet</a>
chibidw
2019-04-14 21:45:11 +0000 UTCYou mean franchises from the company that tried to sue an author because she used the world "space marine" in the title of her book, despite the book having absolutely no connection to Warhammer? They are *way* worse than Blizazrd in this regard.
Jan Kriz
2019-04-14 15:03:03 +0000 UTCActually when there is money being made with an IP you own, you have to defend your IP or you can lose your trademark. Its a problem with copyright law. Thats why they periodically crack down on some creators.
Moejoe
2019-04-14 07:29:25 +0000 UTCI have been following your work for a good eight years now I think or so. It's sad and upsetting to see what happened you, you worked your ass off, inspired countless artists and people and to be just shut down like this because Blizzard completely went down hill is disgusting. As long as you keep your patreon, you'll have my pledge. Thank you for everything you have done over the years for this community and I hope that you and your family will be able to recover. As for all the content, I honestly hope all the fans upload everything they can just to spite Blizzard.
Grey
2019-04-13 10:11:10 +0000 UTCBlizzard once embraced fanart a lot, kinda sad that they would go to these lengths now, then again, Blizzard as a company continues to evolve with time, so stances can change, and it seems that they have here. Sorry to see you go away from the franchise, really enjoyed the stories and scenes that you made. That being said, going to continue to support, hoping to see what you think up, both in regard to the personal fantasy setting and otherwise. As someone already mentioned, orcs and elves are rather hard to copyright, however Blizzard might really like their character models, as the personal fantasy setting should have trouble including elves and orcs. The take on trolls seem a bit different to the general perception of trolls in fantasy. Before this gets to long, happy to see the stuff you did put up, and looking toward the future.
2019-04-13 08:40:13 +0000 UTCNo orc king lives forever...
2019-04-13 07:12:00 +0000 UTCYou do great works Rexx, Whatever is the new setting I'm sure you'll do well in. We all came (kek) for the prawns, but stayed for the quality
Enubatan
2019-04-13 06:56:26 +0000 UTCNobody has a copyright for orcs and elves or all the others, I think if there's something like a cobyright then you should get close to the englishcen shcriftstell J.R.R Tolkien I'll announce Faith he invented the orcs in seemingly novel. I'm not 100% sure but one thing I can say with certainty Elves troll fairy undere Wabel whose are in circulation Alnge before there was Blizzard. and even the comic look is not a blizzard coby right which is also older than Blizzard. Basically, you could continue to do so must of Jaina and other WoW Carackter disconnect or change names and the outside or other because person namne kan synonymous no one claim only for myself I mean there are really people called the Lotahr hey there are even a game that bears my name and I'm older than the game that then had to give me money or? ;D in theory, if you only want to be able to judge Ork's elves, you do not even have to change the models, but do that where you can sleep best^^
Ner'rull
2019-04-13 00:48:02 +0000 UTCOld Blizzard: its just fan art :: New Actiblizzard: HES TAKING OUR MONIES OH NOES WE MUST STOP THIS!!!!! :: just another example how far they have fallen in there fans eyes these days just more fuel for the fire to seek a different company all togather imo
2019-04-12 23:12:43 +0000 UTCI am really sad to see you go away from Warcraft. You are absolutely within your right to make your content. I would support your fight against Blizzard, but having been through a lawsuit myself I do understand your position. I am excited to see whatever content you create, and will continue to support your work.
2019-04-12 22:49:44 +0000 UTCBlizzard sucks orc cock really. They don't know you were also giving them free publicity. Skip warcraft and aim for the real sugar daddy of this franchise : Warhammer fantasy and 40k. Go for the models made by CA Total war: Warhammer. Why settle for doom hammer when a thunder hammer is better dear friend! Cheers and may the Emperor protect !!!
st
2019-04-12 20:21:57 +0000 UTCKeep pushing Blizzard...keep pushing. EDIT: Also, it's not a request...it's a demand. I get extremely 'hostile' towards companies that throw their wait around and try bully (because that's what it really is) others. ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY DO IT SELECTIVELY! - I bet $10k if Rexx didn't do lewds he'd be fine, in fact, I bet they'd even retweet his work.
Seteh
2019-04-12 18:05:00 +0000 UTCDamn shame dude... but I understand your position. While you would likely win the case, the stress and financial toll just for legal fees would pretty hefty. And obviously you dont want to put a strain on your family. That's why it seems especially low ball on Blizzard's end and thats whats frustrating. IDC if its smut, you put time and love into what you do while being transformative IMO. I do look forward to whats to come, but I will sorely miss your previous work.
Helixux
2019-04-12 17:41:36 +0000 UTCYet another reason I despise what Blizzard has become. Hope your future endeavors go well, and if you do create a personal fantasy setting, please please please don't make the orcs Mary Sues, way too many fan creations do that and it's frustrating.
Spiralnebula
2019-04-12 17:03:27 +0000 UTCYou know we support you in whatever decision you feel you need to make. Maybe you can start delving into Blender more now. I for one would love to collaborate with you on some original stuff. I am a pretty experienced writer. Either way, I look forward to seeing what you come up with and will continue to support your and YOUR art. Blizzard content be damned to the ash heap of history.
KLCoones
2019-04-12 16:28:35 +0000 UTCI, for one, while heartbroken over the loss of the continued WoW work as a Draenei fan, am kinda excited to see what you do next. The quality of your work means whatever you apply yourself to is going to be great.
Virginia Holt
2019-04-12 15:16:58 +0000 UTCI won't be posting it up anywhere but pretty much all of it is out in the wild. I am sure now people will collect it.
Rexx
2019-04-12 14:57:55 +0000 UTCI can't control what is already out there in the wild, but I won't post my stuff in relation to my name or my sites ever again.
Rexx
2019-04-12 14:57:12 +0000 UTCNo specific reason. It all came down to "You are using our models and characters, stop it." I was likely the most visible and thus why I was hit.
Rexx
2019-04-12 14:56:32 +0000 UTCDid they give you a reason why they are coming after you specifically? Seems kinda weird that it looks like you're the only one of the numerous wow/overwatch nsfw artists that got hit with a C&D.
2019-04-12 14:48:43 +0000 UTCLooking forward to your new ideas, boss. ActiBlizzon is ending their own era, but they can't end yours.
2019-04-12 13:34:45 +0000 UTCWhile I do think this whole thing is more of an Activision kind of thing than a Blizzard's one (though technically they're the same company now), it kinda reminds me what they did with StudioFow after Coliseum of Lust. Anyway, it's not much, but I'll be cheering for you to create your own universe!
Zael
2019-04-12 12:58:04 +0000 UTCIt would be a shame for Blizzard if someone anonymously posted all your WoW-related stuff on something like r34 while you went on to do your own stuff and giving Blizz the middle finger they rightfully deserved for years at this point.
2019-04-12 12:50:40 +0000 UTCEnd of an era...
Daikaiju
2019-04-12 10:31:39 +0000 UTCWhat a shame. Thanks Blizzard.
Flan
2019-04-12 10:02:46 +0000 UTCBummer but it was the outcome I expected. Once a corporation like Blizzard has you in their crosshair, they won't relent. You made the right choice here. No more Lakuu though :( On a personal note, I sure am glad that I keep a local copy of most of your work. :D
Ifalna Sha'yoko
2019-04-12 09:35:36 +0000 UTCAny chance you share you`r work with us be four taking it off for good ?
Bloodmastery
2019-04-12 09:26:46 +0000 UTCI like this idea tbh. Give us a chance to grab all the works you've done we like the most before taking them back down.
Catcubus
2019-04-12 05:28:52 +0000 UTCThis really blows. I'm wondering if this is just a start to them bringing the hammer on all other artists? I AM curious however; if you didn't have a patreon, would Blizzard had even bothered? Surely they know you've been making these animations for years and years, but I feel like the only reason you were given the C&D letter was because of it (i.e. you're profiting off our property, we can't have that. REEEE). That being said, if you were to remove it (and use something else in it's place), would they bugger off?
Catcubus
2019-04-12 05:27:47 +0000 UTCYou do what is best for you and your family, man. The only thing that makes me mad is that Blizzard is getting away with threatening you. I am excited to see the settings you come up with -- after all, I didn't sub to you because of WoW. I subbed to you because I like your art.
RegrettableStitches
2019-04-12 05:25:56 +0000 UTCWould there be any chance of an archive or compilation of all past works?
2019-04-12 05:03:27 +0000 UTCHard to find the right words now...and all that because of one person reporting you?
Daimonia
2019-04-12 04:58:05 +0000 UTCI am sorry for the stress and emotional strain you and your family had to go through. It is really unfair Blizzard showed this kind of ugly face to loyal fans. I am really happy you didn't give up however. All your fans will wait patiently for your new works and you have our support!! Best wishes!
2019-04-12 04:23:19 +0000 UTCKeep your head up.
Enjuno Juju
2019-04-12 04:13:22 +0000 UTCLooking forward to your next endeavors boss. Forward and upward, man. Hang in there.
2019-04-12 04:00:08 +0000 UTCaaaand i unsubed WoW, those fuckers really went downhill since activision took full controll... I bet you did more advertising for them in the last years than their whole marketing team. I fear now for the others like liard, noname etc but will be interested to see how your new selfmade universe will turn out.
Nyx
2019-04-12 03:50:58 +0000 UTCWhere ever you go, I'll follow
DemiD
2019-04-12 03:49:14 +0000 UTCI know, I have been off and on crying most of the day, but I just can't put my family through even the possibility of a legal battle. If I was alone, I likely would, but I can't do that to them.
Rexx
2019-04-12 03:41:00 +0000 UTC