Blizzard has won a court case against World of Warcraft bot creators MDY Industries, who has been ordered to pay US$6 million (£3.36m) in damages to the publisher.

MDY Industries is the creator of Glider, a program that automates many of the play mechanics of World of Warcraft. Blizzard originally sued MDY over Glider in 2007.

The BBC is reporting that Blizzard won the early rounds of the legal struggle in July, wherein it was found the Glider did break the licensing terms of World of Warcraft. MDY Industries subsequently managed to successfully argue down the damages award; Blizzard initially claimed double or triple the $6m, and could still appeal the judge’s current decision in an effort to get that larger amount.

The case will return to court in January. Up for discussion at that time will be whether Glider breaks the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and whether MDY Industries founder Michael Donnelly will be personally responsible for the payment of the damages.