Chapter 3: The Causes of Gold Selling
3.1 Introduction
Gold selling, the practice of trading in-game currency for real-world money, is a complex phenomenon rooted in a confluence of factors. This chapter delves into the primary causes of gold selling, exploring the economic, social, and game design factors that contribute to this practice.
3.2 Economic Factors
One of the primary drivers of gold selling is economic disparity. In regions where the average income is low, the potential earnings from gold selling can be significantly higher. For instance, in countries like China and Vietnam, ‘gold farms‘ have emerged where workers play games to earn in-game currency, which is then sold for real-world money. This practice can provide a higher income than traditional employment in these regions, incentivizing gold selling.
3.3 Player Demand
On the other side of the equation is player demand. Many players, particularly in wealthier regions, are willing to pay real-world money to progress faster in the game. This demand is often driven by the desire to keep up with peers, compete at higher levels, or simply enjoy aspects of the game that are otherwise time-locked. For example, in games like World of Warcraft, where acquiring high-level gear can take hundreds of hours, players may turn to gold sellers to shortcut this process.
3.4 Game Design
The design of the game itself can also contribute to gold selling. Games that require significant time investment to progress, or that place a high value on rare items, can incentivize gold selling. For instance, in games like EVE Online, where rare ships can take months to build, players may be tempted to buy in-game currency to speed up this process. Additionally, games that lack robust anti-cheat systems can inadvertently facilitate gold selling by making it easier for sellers to farm gold using bots or exploits.
3.5 Market Structure
The structure of the in-game market can also facilitate gold selling. In games with player-driven economies, gold sellers can manipulate the market to their advantage. For example, they might buy up all of a certain item, creating an artificial shortage and driving up prices. They can then sell these items at a profit, accumulating in-game wealth which can be sold for real-world money. This practice can destabilize the in-game economy, leading to inflation and making it harder for regular players to afford items.
3.6 Conclusion
The causes of gold selling are complex and intertwined, involving a mix of economic, social, and game design factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat gold selling. The following chapters will delve into the impacts of gold selling and explore potential countermeasures, building on the foundation laid in this chapter.
