Chapter 7: Gold Selling Countermeasures
7.1 Introduction
The issue of gold selling in online games, while complex, is not insurmountable. This chapter explores various countermeasures that have been or could be implemented to combat gold selling, ranging from in-game solutions to legal measures.
7.2 In-Game Solutions
In-game solutions are often the first line of defense against gold selling. These can include mechanisms to detect and ban accounts associated with gold selling, limits on in-game transactions, or alternative progression paths that reduce the demand for gold. For example, some games have implemented “bind on pickup” mechanics for rare items, meaning these items cannot be traded once a player obtains them. This can reduce the incentive for players to buy gold, as they cannot use it to purchase these items.
7.3 Legal Measures
Legal measures can also be used to combat gold selling. These can include terms of service that prohibit gold selling, or legal action against gold sellers. However, these measures can be difficult to enforce, particularly given the international nature of online games. Furthermore, they can be controversial, as they may involve issues of virtual property rights and digital labor rights.
7.4 Community Engagement
Engaging the player community can also be an effective strategy against gold selling. This can involve educating players about the negative impacts of gold selling, encouraging players to report suspected gold sellers, or fostering a community culture that discourages gold buying. For example, some games have implemented reporting systems that allow players to report suspected gold sellers, which can help game developers identify and ban these accounts.
7.5 Game Design
Finally, game design can play a crucial role in combating gold selling. By designing games in a way that minimizes the incentives for gold selling, game developers can reduce the prevalence of this practice. This can involve designing progression systems that do not heavily favor players with more gold, or creating in-game economies that are resistant to inflation.
7.6 Conclusion
While gold selling is a complex issue, there are a variety of strategies that can be used to combat it. By understanding these strategies and their potential impacts, game developers, policymakers, and players can work together to create a fair and enjoyable gaming environment. The final chapter of this dissertation will provide a summary of the findings and offer recommendations for future research.