Blizzard Sues Project Ascension WoW Private Server Over Copyright Infringement, Racketeering
World of Warcraft developer Blizzard Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against Project Ascension, a prominent private server, alleging copyright infringement, racketeering, and illegal profits amounting to millions of dollars. The court document, submitted on June 12 in California, asserts that Project Ascension's creators have operated a business built on "large scale, egregious, and ongoing infringement" of Blizzard's intellectual property. Blizzard claims the defendants took extraordinary measures to conceal their identities and involvement, including using shell companies to hide assets and avoid US tax liability, and believes the servers are hosted by the Russia-based Aeza Group, sanctioned by the US government in 2025.
Blizzard Entertainment, the developer behind World of Warcraft (WoW), has initiated legal proceedings against Project Ascension, a private WoW server, accusing its creators of copyright infringement and racketeering. The lawsuit, filed on June 12 in California, also alleges that Project Ascension has illegally earned millions of dollars through its operations.
The court document states that Blizzard believes the makers of Project Ascension have infringed on its WoW copyright on a "massive scale." This infringement includes the distribution of illegal copies of the game, the use of copyrighted materials, and the acceptance of donations, effectively running a business based on Blizzard's intellectual property.
Blizzard alleges that the creators of Project Ascension were aware of their illegal activities and took significant steps to conceal their identities and safeguard against legal action. The lawsuit names Derek Powell and Bryan Thomas Mannion as key individuals behind the private server, who allegedly used multiple shell companies with no offices or employees to mask their involvement and hide assets, potentially to avoid US tax liability.
Furthermore, Blizzard's filing suggests that Project Ascension's servers are hosted by the Russia-based Aeza Group. According to the US Department of the Treasury, Aeza Group is known for "enabling cybercriminals and technology theft" and was sanctioned by the US government in 2025. Blizzard interprets Project Ascension's choice to work with this entity as an indication of "intent to engage in unlawful activity."
As part of its lawsuit, Blizzard is seeking several remedies. These include the handover of all copies and materials that infringe on Blizzard's intellectual property, the permanent shutdown of Project Ascension, monetary relief, and a full accounting of all monies collected in connection with the private server.
This legal action follows previous successful efforts by Blizzard against other private servers. In April, the court sided with Blizzard in its case against Turtle WoW, leading to a private settlement. Shortly thereafter, Stormforge announced its impending shutdown after receiving a cease and desist order from Blizzard. Project Ascension is widely considered one of the last large private servers operating after these recent shutdowns.
Project Ascension's website states it offers various ways to play WoW, including a "classless" version allowing players to combine abilities and a version featuring 21 "new" classes inspired by Warcraft lore.
Blizzard's recent actions have led some fans to speculate about a potential new version of WoW Classic, possibly dubbed "Classic+," which might be unveiled at BlizzCon in September. Blizzard has not made an official announcement regarding future WoW Classic content, though a 2026 "State of Azeroth" presentation teased that Classic players "have a lot to look forward to."
According to GameSpot, many of the named defendants in Blizzard's lawsuit against Project Ascension reportedly reside in the US.
