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What Blizzard’s rules mean for tournament players
Blizzard’s End User License Agreement defines a bot as “any code and/or software, not expressly authorized by Blizzard, that allows the automated control of a Game, or any other feature of the Platform.” It prohibits unauthorized bots and other unauthorized software that affects gameplay. That makes the practical default for a human-player event clear: do not use an AI bot to control your StarCraft II gameplay unless the relevant authorization and tournament rules allow it. Read Blizzard’s End User License Agreement.
Blizzard’s StarCraft II fair-play article says, “Playing StarCraft II legitimately means playing with an unaltered game client,” and warns that cheating, hacks, or modifications can lead to a permanent ban. The EULA is the more direct source for the bot definition; the fair-play article reinforces the risk of unauthorized gameplay changes. See Blizzard’s StarCraft II cheating guidance.
Why the StarCraft II API does not grant tournament permission
Blizzard’s API repository describes an interface for external control of StarCraft II and lists uses including scripted bots, machine-learning bots, replay analysis, and tool-assisted human play. That establishes that Blizzard documents a development interface for these activities. It does not authorize a particular bot to compete in an ordinary tournament: entrants still need to meet applicable Blizzard requirements and the event’s rules. Review the StarCraft II API repository.
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Human tournaments and bot competitions are different formats
| Event type | What to assume | What establishes permission |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary human-player tournament | Assume gameplay-controlling bots are not allowed unless expressly authorized. | Applicable Blizzard authorization and the organizer’s current rules. |
| Dedicated bot-versus-bot competition | AI may be allowed under the event’s own competition rules. | The bot event’s current rules and any applicable Blizzard authorization. |
A historical example is the AIIDE 2010 StarCraft competition, which organized bot-versus-bot matches in a defined tournament format. It shows that dedicated AI competitions have existed; it does not establish current rules or permission for human tournaments. Read the AIIDE 2010 competition paper.
What tournament organizers and entrants should verify
Rules can vary by organizer, event, region, and date. Before using any gameplay automation, obtain the exact current rulebook and written clarification from the organizer. Verify:
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- Whether the event allows AI or other software to control gameplay, or is human-play only.
- Whether Blizzard authorization covers the proposed bot and its use in that specific event.
- Whether scripts, external tools, APIs, input automation, or modified clients are restricted.
- Which StarCraft II build, API, maps, and match format apply.
- How to disclose a bot, request approval, report suspected automation, and appeal a decision.
If the organizer cannot confirm that the bot is permitted, do not use it in that event.
Community competition rules are about organizers, not blanket bot approval
Blizzard’s Community Competition License applies to qualifying community competitions and was updated September 13, 2024. It sets prize limits of $25,000 for one competition and $100,000 across events organized under that license during the preceding 12 months. Those are license conditions for organizing qualifying events, not permission for a player to use a bot. Organizers and entrants must still check the event rules and any applicable Blizzard authorization. Check Blizzard’s Community Competition License.
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How to report suspected bot use
Blizzard’s published guidance describes reporting a player through the in-game score screen and submitting a replay to Blizzard’s hacks team. That guidance is historical, so check Blizzard’s current support options before submitting a report. In a tournament, also use the organizer’s official reporting or dispute process and provide the evidence it requests. See Blizzard’s published reporting guidance.
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