Short summary of the incident using references.[1] Usually 2-3 sentences that summarize the contents or the article. When writing the article, insert text in the space below this box, and then delete this tip box (and the other tip boxes below). In the visual editor, just click on a box and press backspace to delete it. In the source editor, simply delete the double curly brackets, and the text inside them.
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Background
On October 21st, 2025 - Activision-Blizzard made a news page regarding the discontinuation of redemption of legacy Warcraft 3 CD keys from physical purchases and discs.
Information about the product/service history to provide the necessary context surrounding the incident
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Incident
The incident involves a timeline where they provided a one month window with no real notice beyond a short notice on their forum in regards to Warcraft 3: Reforged. There was no notice beyond some smaller content creators informing the issue as a general warning. No notice was provided via other social media.
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Impartial and complete description of the events, including actions taken by the company, and the timeline of the incident coming to the public's attention.
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Blizzard-Activision's response
If applicable, add the proposed solution to the issues by the company.
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The company only provided the forum news https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/article/24241844/original-warcraft-iii-keys-expire-on-november-21 - in terms of response to the issue, many technical support agents will refuse to assist in redemption of any grandfatherable non-redeemed physical CD keys.
Consumer response
Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from the consumers and commentators that can be documented via articles, emails to support, reviews and forum posts.
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Most of the consumer responses from this timeline was providing discouraging statements, many of which expressed disdain for the lack of grandfathering from prior physically purchased products. While other services exist to allow for compatible online play, many are saddened that they cannot utilize the Activision-Blizzard services for online play and redownload.
References