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by Mike Schramm 
Jun 26th 2009 at 2:00PM
Our old friend Tim Sullivan, who worked at Wowhead way back in the day, just sent along a note that he's working on a brand new web video series all about something in World of Warcraft that's been gaining a lot of ground lately: multiboxing. Thanks to recruit-a-friend and all of the bonuses that come along with sponsoring a second account, quite a few people have shown an interest in running more than one character in the game, and Tim's series, called Multiboxing.tv, shows live feeds from his gameplay (all five screens of it, four Hunters and one Priest) while people can chat and learn live about multiboxing and how it all works. He's also leveling the group up -- they're currently around level 40, and he says he's headed to 80 eventually.You can check out his front page to see when he'll be streaming next (and someone told us he was streaming for something like fourteen hours the other day -- take care of yourself, Tim!), and if you're interested in how you might get started multiboxing, he and his chat channel are probably more than happy to help you figure out how to do it. He did say he'd be streaming every night this weekend, so if you're around then, you should be able to catch him. Personally (as you probably already know), I'm a big fan of the standard one character gameplay -- I have enough trouble figuring out one toon, much less five. But Turpster, as you've probably heard on our podcast, has dived into this kind of stuff headfirst and loves it, so if you're interested in seeing how it works, tune in to Tim's channel and find out.
Update: Apparently while this was presented to us (and appears to be) just a guy streaming his multiboxing, Tim may have some less generous motives -- he's apparently trying to sell multiboxing software, and you can see the comments below for some other shady moves that have been made. Watch at your own risk, and keep in mind that while the stream appeared legit to us, it may be an advertisement for software you certainly don't need to multibox.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Tips, Fan stuff, Odds and ends, Blizzard
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 5)
anticorporate Jun 26th 2009 6:28PM
This is a pretty good show. He isn't advertising as much as everyone says he is. Its pretty interesting watching him play.
slunk Jun 26th 2009 6:41PM
What server is he on?
Qot Jun 26th 2009 6:58PM
Blackrock-US, PvP server (leading to lulz when he went AFK in the Crossroads while flagged).
Ewok Ninja Jun 26th 2009 6:57PM
He's not pushing product. He's answering people's questions about the software when he's asked but aside from that it's mostly talking about content and general WoW chit chat.
I understand skepticism but make your own decisions about wether or not you want to watch it.
Larry Jun 26th 2009 6:55PM
Hes not even really advertising. People are asking what he is using and he lets them know. He has talked about everything he can about multiboxing down to his hardware. During the past hour, he has mentioned the hardware he is using 3 or 4 times. Does that mean hes trying to sell mid-ranged intel processors? No.
I think he is doing a great job. If you like it, watch it. If you don't like it or think that he is doing it for personal gain.. well... don't watch.
Hoython Jun 26th 2009 8:05PM
I have been watching this stream for quite some time now, and I do not think it's advertising. As posted before, if people ask what software he uses, they get the answer, but other than that, no advertising. Simply multiboxing.
Head over there, check it out, you might like it... (or even learn something)
Andy J Jun 26th 2009 10:56PM
Maybe in the future Mike it would be better to let others cover the multiboxing play style (because at the end of the day that is what it is). Your personal bias against it as something 'shady' and/or 'crazy' sadly shines through.
I appreciate that multiboxers are a very small percentage of WoW players but then in comparison too the 11 million plus user base so are hardcore raiders.
Your tweets
'This is why I never want to post about multiboxing. Every time I do, I get entangled in some stupid thing. Blizz may ok, but it's just shady'
'I don't have a problem with reporting on multiboxing. But their community is full of drama and scams, it's like a minefield in there.'
Demonstrate this bias further.
Oh and FYI WoW itself is full of drama and scams thats what happens when masses gather (in fact your own Guild Drama articles feed of this).
Urza Jun 26th 2009 11:19PM
People ask how he's doing the multiboxing... can't blame him for answering it's with his own software. I don't think that's shady, it's smart.
However, I don't care how easy his software makes it and that it can be used with other games, I wouldn't pay $15 a month for it.
hi Jun 26th 2009 11:57PM
The guy has given an amazing tutorial on multiboxing. This is hardly an advertisement.
TonyMcS Jun 27th 2009 2:00AM
Great webcast, very patient tutorial on multiboxing. He only talks about his software when asked and it's great to be able to see the software in action. Spends a lot of time answering questions from the technical to the mundane. Aside from being interrupted to give detailed descriptions of macros etc, he's just levelling.
Makes me feel like giving it a try just with 2 accounts - looks fun ;-)
Jennie Jun 27th 2009 2:21AM
@Urza - his software isnt $15 a month - thats the WOW subscription price (and hence why it gets confused with the software). From the software site:
The cost is $18.95. This cost includes one year of upgrades at no additional cost
The one thing that is a little misleading is that the cost isnt for a perpetual license (like Office or Windows is), but rather a one year license, making it a $19 / year subscription, or about $1.58 / month
far cry from $15 / month
Jennie Jun 27th 2009 2:22AM
One other thing, from someone who has used the software promoted by dual-boxing.com .... it is quite difficult to use as well.
Scott Jun 27th 2009 3:10AM
I've been watching the feed for a week or so now ever since my gf told me about it, and here's what I've drawn from it:
- He developed (with other people) the software, pwnboxer, obviously.
- The stream is clearly to showcase it and multiboxing in general.
- There is a whole "he said, she said" background story going on between him and Dual-boxing, and he alluded to some bad blood between him and the makers of (if I recall correctly) Keycloner. He's never gone into detail, although some posters in these comments have.
He certainly doesn't thrust Pwnboxer down your throat, and he certainly doesn't sit and bash any opposition. He states how happy he is with his product, he demonstrates what it can do as he plays and resolves issues, but mostly he spends his time leveling his characters and discussing multiboxing's pitfalls and idiosyncrasies.
As for the bad blood/fight, I don't know who's the truth. I don't care. I enjoy the stream, I watch the stream, and if I had the time to multibox, I may buy his software.
mrdonut125 Jun 27th 2009 6:53AM
I think everyone else has covered it pretty well. The disclaimer may be a bit harsh but I'm not going to argue it isn't needed. Just mention that he writes his own software and that there are a host of programs that can do the same thing, no need to use his.
He covers this as well. Unfortunately the first time I heard about his stream was on WoW.com today, but I watched for a good 8+ hours and the only time he mentioned the software was when people asked about it or when people asked how he did something, and many times he did state that there was other software available (He didn't name it, but with the bashing on either side I don't blame him) and that someone should use whatever they feel comfortable with.
His multiboxing tutorial was both entertaining and informational. I have multiboxed, albeit only 2 characters, up 45 or so levels and I did have fun, but I picked up some tricks and tips today listening to what he does with his characters. I would highly recommend everyone at least check out his stream, he is a pretty cool guy and the stream was relaxed and informational.
LordOfTheDropbears Jun 27th 2009 1:08PM
dual-boxing.com should keep their butthurt to their own forums. This guy is just trying to get multiboxing out into the mainstream. He is very laid back with the software he is connected to, suggesting often that you use what works best for you.
Vecter Jun 27th 2009 1:17PM
Drama, we all love it don't we? Any promotion of boxing in WoW is good, however because many feel it is questionable, the community has to be careful how that promotion is done. Tim created a previous software package that violated the Blizzard TOS/Eula and pretty much banned him from d-b.com. That choice was made to protect the community, plain and simple. You will not find any recent "okay" from Blizzard on any multi-boxing software, only the stance that 1 key press = 1 action. Regardless of the software you choose, you still have to follow the rules.
Bashing Svpernova because you feel he is marketing d-b.com makes no sense. Is there another boxing community out there? I think most know that it is the one place to go for help. There are many different software choices being discussed regularly, from free to yearly costs and done so by the rules of the community and in strict compliance of Blizzards TOS/Eula. Getting banned does no one any good.
It would be great if Tim's position changes and he is upfront and avoids the questionable tactics he uses to promote his software. It is great that he is creating a venue where people can watch multi-boxing and truly see the fun in it. I hope it continues to be clean.
Tarpo Jun 27th 2009 2:48PM
Firstly, this multiboxing video stream is AMAZING. This guy obviously has the community at heart as he is spending time and time showing people the methods used to multibox right from the very start.
I completely commend him.
Second, for all those people like Vector and Supernova spreading all these fake rumors, I did my research. What I found is this:
The Multiboxing.tv author has made multiple community enhancing efforts including various websites, and software tools, all of which enrich the general public and help out World of Warcraft players greatly. He has contributed VASTLY to this game.
Vector/Supernova/Dual-boxing have been spreading lies and rumors constantly such as what you are seeing here. They have no proof of anything, their only "proof" is their own website which has what clearly seems to me like lies and falsified information.
I did my research and I discovered why Supernova/Dual-boxing have been slandering Tim/multiboxing.tv. It is because they are being PAID to do so. Their website makes a (imo inferior) multiboxing software and they are paid for every time they sell it. No wonder why they are taking these low ball and shady tactics.
This multiboxing.tv is yet another example of Tim's contribution to the gaming community.
The Supernova/Dual-boxing is setting yet another example of their blatant greed and general dishonesty by slandering one of the most contributing people to this game today, aside from Blizzard of course.
Multiboxing.tv website quotes "NEXT LIVE BROADCAST: 9pm CST 06/27/09" and I will be there to watch the entire thing. KEEP IT REAL!!!!
Vecter Jun 27th 2009 10:04PM
That is probably the funniest thing I have read in a long time. At no point does dual-boxing.com make money on software, and you know why? Because they do not make software! Like I stated there are many kinds of software packages prominent on the site and all are welcome with one condition...they do not break the Blizzard TOS/Eula.
And I am sorry but where did I slander anyone? I only stated known facts, I am in no position and have no desire to participate in flame wars. It does nothing for the community. And for full disclosure, Keyclone is the most visible on the site because he also contributes financial backing for the monthly expenses. No different than any other company paying for advertising on a site. He also participates positively to the community on multi-boxing support, as due ISBoxer and HKN authors.
Please understand that the community needs the efforts of everyone to make it a positive and worthwhile endeavor. We are here to play a game and have fun doing it. If someone wants to make a buck while doing it, fine all for it. As long as it is done within the TOS/Eula of Blizzard and within practical limits of the community. That is all that really matters. And when that doesn't happen that will impact the whole community. I for one do not want to see the same person posting as 3 different user accounts advertising the same thing.
Lastly I am not recommending any method for multi-boxing and have no opinion on Tim's latest software. The facts are facts, he broke the TOS/Eula previously and I would be cautious because of that fact.
Richard Long Jun 27th 2009 6:01PM
I've been watching this stream since Monday of last week, and I have to say that Tim is not specifically doing the stream to sell or promote his software; as has been stated, he will stop and explain what the software can do when asked direct questions.
I have seen the number of people watching grow from 100 people or so, throughout the stream event which can last many hours with viewer numbers very stable with this Friday's cast reaching a peak of 865 people!
He is putting on a quite a show for people. So far I have watched him do many instances, such as SM (all sides), RFC, Uldaman, Marudon sometimes running BGs in between. Throughout the cast, there is a constant flow of new viewers asking the same questions, most commonly 'what is multiboxing?' or 'hey Tim, what software are you using to do this stream?' or '..to multibox'. He has never stopped what he is doing just to promote anything, he does take the time though to answer questions people have; and this often requires him actually opening up the pwnboxer UI and showing what it does.
Its great he takes the time do this, it makes it a fun experience to watch. I am not affiliated with Mr. Sullivan in anyway, in fact, I do not even play WoW anymore (I have in the past though). Watching his stream, and looking at how easy his software is to use, I have been thinking about activating my account again.
Another thing Tim makes clear is the legal issues surrounding multiboxing. This is an important issue, which he goes into detail about but simply put, it is perfectly legal to multibox WoW.
One must check the source of any mud-slinging at Tim about his stream or his software, its quite possible those doing so actually are employed by rival multiboxing companies.
Clearly Tim has a good product here, he really enjoys multiboxing, loves WoW and has good information for people about all this stuff. My overall conclusion is 'go Timmeh'!
BWJ Jun 28th 2009 1:16AM
I'm an Evil Multi-Boxer™. I learned how to do it by trial and error, and by reading many sites about it, including Dual-boxing.com. I was there during the drama with Tim Sullivan, and the story told here is essentially true: he broke the forum rules, tried to bypass the forum rules after being told not to, and was selling software that was not 100% certified as safe by Blizzard - something multiboxers care the most about.
I've watched Tim's stream - it's fine, his software has some nice features,( and some I have my doubts about, in terms of their legality), and he's very cagey about answering some questions regarding it. He's also gone on rants about dual-boxing.com, and whenever *other* software is discussed, or asked about, he *always* talks about his software, and discourages the use of other software - I heard him tell the audience one software package would get people banned. Obviously, this streaming effort is one long commercial for his software - which is fine - but don't attack Dual-boxing.com because they had a bad experience with him - they have every right to bring that light, and let people make their own judgements. I don't know Tim, and while he strikes me as a nice enough guy, his marketing techniques leave a lot to be desired, especially in long-established communities like DB.com.
And, as a long-time member and poster of Dual-boxing.com, I have NEVER ONCE seen Keyclone favored over any other solution, and EVERY piece of software and hardware is freely discussed, except the ones that break TOS. Even the ones that skirt the issue, like the keyboards with macro and pause abilities, which can and will get you banned, are allowed to be discussed, as long as the bad stuff is pointed out and players warned to not use the features that will get them banned.
Dual-boxing.com is a repository of hundreds of players, with deep discussions on every topic, and it's an open and FREE community to join and participate in. Yes, there is drama occasionally, but for the most part, the mods and members there are friendly, helpful, and ONLY ban people when they refuse to follow the simple rules. The site remains free, and the owner goes out of his way to make it a comfortable and open place to discuss our hobby. I would hate to see someone like Tim become the "face' of multiboxing, when others have spent years refining and developing the tactics and techniques, and all of that work being unread because of unfounded accusations here. He can build his own community, but it should'nt be at the cost of others.
If the mods are being paid to promote Keyclone, they're doing a horrible job of it, and it doesn't fit Keyclone the author's style. He has always been above board and honest in all of his dealings on that site, and he's a nice guy, too - as are all of the other developers there, like the author of Jamba, a very handy and almost required add-on suite for multiboxing.
Again, Tim is free to sell and promote his software, but his methods leave a lot to be desired. (And yes I know what I'm talking about, I've worked in marketing for over 20 years) His stream is essentially one long commercial for his software - which is fine - but there are more solutions out there, free and paid, and if you are interested in multiboxing, I urge you to ignore the attacks here (which may or may not be who they claim to be, when it's against DB.com), and research all of the solutions out there, and keep an open mind, and keep in mind who has what agenda, and why. DB.com isn't
out to get" Tim, the mods simply feel that they needed to warn people of their experiences with him.