Now that BW is free, can the replay viewer sidestep the need for MPQ files?
Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 11:16 pm
See the subject. Can you now bypass the MPQ requirement for watching replays? That'd be super sweet.
no, the MPQs are still required.
First of all, the MPQs contain unit data and image files. They are needed to draw unit sprites and maps.
Secondly, the fact BW is free now does not change copyrights in any way. We are probably still not allowed to host the required MPQ files ourselves.
At least we can point users to a free download of the required files now, which is a major step in the right direction.