Chapter 5: The Collapse of In-Game Economic Systems
5.1 Introduction
Just like real-world economies, in-game economies in online games are delicate systems that can be significantly impacted by practices like gold selling. This chapter explores how gold selling can lead to the collapse of in-game economic systems, drawing on real-world analogies to illustrate these effects.
5.2 Gold Inflation
One of the most immediate impacts of gold selling is inflation. When large amounts of gold are introduced into the game economy, the value of the gold decreases. This is similar to what happens when a government prints too much money, leading to hyperinflation. In the game world, this means that the prices of items increase, making it harder for players who don’t buy gold to afford the items they need.
For example, imagine a small town where everyone suddenly becomes a millionaire. The local bakery, seeing that everyone has more money, might start charging $100 for a loaf of bread instead of $2. This is essentially what happens in games when gold sellers flood the market with cheap gold.
5.3 Market Destabilization
Gold sellers can also destabilize in-game markets. They often use bots to farm resources, which they then sell in large quantities, driving down prices. This is akin to a company dumping cheap goods into a market, making it impossible for other businesses to compete.
Consider a real-world example where a large corporation starts selling a product at a loss to drive out competitors. Once the competitors are gone, the corporation can raise prices, controlling the market. In a game, this could mean that regular players can’t sell their farmed items for a fair price, disrupting their ability to earn gold through gameplay.
5.4 Erosion of the Player Experience
The collapse of the in-game economy can significantly erode the player experience. When gold becomes easy to buy, the sense of achievement from earning gold through gameplay can be diminished. This is similar to how winning the lottery might seem great at first, but can take away the satisfaction of earning money through hard work.
Imagine working hard to save up for a new car, only for everyone else to be given one for free. It would likely diminish the value and satisfaction of your achievement. In the same way, players who earn their gold through gameplay might feel that their efforts are devalued when others can simply buy their way to success.
5.5 Conclusion
The collapse of in-game economic systems due to gold selling is a serious issue that can significantly impact the player experience. By understanding these impacts, players, game developers, and policymakers can better appreciate the importance of combating gold selling. The following chapter will explore the role of game publishers in this issue and discuss potential countermeasures.
