30% buy virtual gold

So according to a recent survey, 3 out of 10 MMO players buy virtual gold. I’ve never had any inclination to buy any type of virtual loot for any of the games I’ve ever played. I play for fun and buying virtual gold sort of defeats the purpose of playing in the first place. Sort of like paying for a cheat code.

I’ve heard the other side of the argument too. A number of players I’ve talked to over the years buy gold to save time. By design, MMOs are time traps. It takes a lot of time in front of the screen to develop your character and for some players it’s an easy decision to trade real money to shortcut the character development process. They argue that it’s difficult to balance their real life obligations with excelling at a hobby they enjoy. Buying virtual gold allows them to have the best of both worlds, enabling their characters to buy the absolute best without committing excessive hours in game.

Another point made by some RMT companies is that by outlawing virtual gold companies, MMO publishers create a gray market environment that leaves many players open to fraud and theft. By legitimizing the virtual gold trade, they argue that not only will players be protected, but game companies themselves can realize some of the profits of this very lucrative business, estimated at $2 billion in annual revenues.

I take no position on the virtual gold trade. I won’t buy gold, but I won’t hold it against other players that do. Every player’s circumstances are different and I make no judgments. However, I’m curious if the figure is as high as they say.

Via Eurogamer.

Would you buy virtual gold to better outfit your character and make your MMO experience easier?

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