From what I can read it seems like they only now own Curseforge. Meaning if we want to access addons through a third party addon program we have to use Overwolf since they are being mean and wanting to block other programs accessing this site.
But have we all forgot there is another addon site that still seems to be standalone that we can use?
~https://www.wowinterface.com/addons.php
Unless I am mistaken it seems this site is a standalone site from Curseforge that we should be able to, probably with their permission, use third party addon programs and access updates this way.
The issue is that most addon authors only bother updating their curse versions. Or worse, only bother uploading to curse and no where else. Thatâs the issue. Curse has a near monopoly on the wow addon scene and that, is ultimately the source of the issue now since curse is soon to get monetised and locked down in ways that would make even Bobby Kottick blush.
From what I can tell, the part thatâs causing everyone so much consternation about it is that theyâre going to block anyone who doesnât play ball from using the Curse APIs to develop addons. While not everyone addon uses it, a lot do.
So we spread the news instead of trying to get Blizzard to stop Overwolf from being the sold proprietor of addons to get everyone to host their addons on another site.
Yes, WoWInterface would work as itâs not Curse, they are just platformsâŚ
However, it would be more akin to iPhone vs. Android. Most apps are available on both phones, but some are only on one or the other.
Curse is the site that MOST mod authors prioritize, so until that changes, itâs kind of a done deal we have to use Curse and itâs âownerâ whoever that happens to be.
Donât know what âWowupâ is but I imagine if they are able to block it then itâs a mod upload site, then they are using Curse API in how the addon autoupdates, which is completely different than them blocking a mod. If a mod update site is copying the Curse API, thatâs absolutely something they can and should do. A mod itself shouldnât be using any sort of API from Curse, as thatâs not what an API is.
Issue is addon authors would have to ensure their versions posted on there are up-to-date (That is if itâs even posted on there).
The core of this issue though is how Overwolf is going about this whole sh*tshow. Threatening the devs of apps like WowUp to either build in their stupid advertisement platform or their API access will be blocked is a great example of why so many dislike Overwolf.
Theyâre going to block other addon downloaders from accessing the Curse API, they canât block addon creators from uploading somewhere else.
Iâd much rather see the person making WoWUP get in touch with wowhead and they both work together to improve wowinterface (wowheadâs addon site) as a viable alternative for both users and creators.
As someone whoâs never used the curse client and always updates addons manually, I donât see the big deal. Updating addons manually isnât difficult, folks.
I have like 70 addons, updating them manually would take considerable time compared to using an addon manager, especially considering I have no idea what ones are even needing to be updated, I would have to go through and download them all just to be safe.
Think from an add-on devs. perspective. I have had my own out there, so I have a little experience here.
You just spent weeks or more creating an add-on and you want others to try / use it for ⌠ego?, donations?, numbers? or just because you just think others will find it useful. So, you put it where you know the most people will find it. Right now, thatâs been CurseForge. Itâs like selling something from Walmart or Amazon, you know youâll get the audience.
To beat Curse, a replacement would need:
A downloader app for users
Features to make developing easier / better (equal or better than Curse).
A way for a limited set of add-on developers to make a little money. Most get nothing.
If the services from the replacement were better, many developers would move or at least replicate to the new service.
Better still, if the new service posted automatically to CurseForge AS well so you didnât have to, youâd be getting both from one service⌠developers would switch and eventually CurseForge would become irrelevant.
What does Overwolf own?
They own the computer services from where the add-ons are downloaded and process by which users must download. They want to force you through their experience because that âexperienceâ is how they advertise to you. If other downloaders by-pass that experience (like skipping their ads), then they are paying for computer services to host add-ons and getting no income for it.
The poison pill that might have developers move is if Overwolf asserts some sort of ownership of and add-on thatâs in their repository.
If there was a âbetter serviceâ from a developer perspective.
One that reaches a broad audience
One that makes deployment easier.
Forcing people to use their downloader and see their adverts isnât âworseâ if thatâs how developers get a few nickels. Theyâll side with Overwolf.
Developers will move to where the audience is⌠first and foremost.
This doesnât happen overnight, but I can assure you I will do what I can the moment I get inconvenienced by any changes to what my status quo currently is.