Earning easy dollars playing EVERQUEST
In a generation where “instant” is preferred, where “easy” is in, and where “to go” is the norm, money made through the internet – where there is easy access of information – is becoming widely popular. With the development of modern technology, role-playing games, more commonly termed as RPG’s, have become instant favorites not only in entertainment, but also in the acquisition of easy money.
In the virtual world of RPG’s where a role is acted out, adventures and quests embarked upon by participating players are the key. Success is determined by how many rivals were defeated, how many allies one’s character has, how many items were accumulated, and how much virtual money a player has in his account. Adding social interaction to the picture, RPG has rapidly become popular for internet savvies everywhere. One type, known as massively multiplayer on-line role playing game (MMORPG), in particular has captured the interest of the new generation.
MMORPG is a computer based game played in an on-line virtual world with many other players - thousands or even millions - connected to a server. MMORPG players are represented by on-line characters known as avatars, which perform tasks specified by the player, such as interacting with other players, acquiring items, and such.i A game which requires possession of virtual items and currency, coupled with an indirect social interaction feature, this type of on-line gaming has opened doors for what is called “virtual economy,” which in turn impacted the real world’s economy by making it possible to exchange virtual money for real money.ii
As in real world economy, it is important for a MMORPG player to accumulate enough experience, partners, capital, and resources to be able to improve the character that he is controlling. By fighting monsters and enemies he can get treasures and experience points; by undertaking quests he can advance in level; by joining groups and guilds he can increase opportunities of trading and interaction. As a player progresses by gaining experience points and mastering trade skills,iii he makes his character “virtually rich,” capable of obtaining more items and advancing further. These items, as well as the gold that a player acquires, have become the focus of money-making minds of late. The sale of virtual goods has exploded, taking on-line moneymaking to a level beyond what is norm.
A popular example of MMORPG being used for real-life trade is Everquest by Sony. Created in 1999, Everquest features various characters of fictional and reality beings alike having professional skills and social and trade capabilities. As in most MMORPG, items and gold – or platinum, as Everquest currency is called - are important aspects of the game. However, the virtual goods that can be acquired in the game through buy and sell within the gaming community has rapidly expanded to the living world. Platinum, in particular, can now be bought and sold via on-line stores such as eBay or some others. IGE.com, specifically, offers specified rates to those who want to buy platinum. By simply choosing your server from the list in their website and completing the required information, you can select a payment method and pay on-line for platinum purchase. IGE.com will soon be catering also to Everquest players who want to sell their platinum.
Though popular by community standards, acquisition of goods outside the gaming community has created a lot of controversies. It has upset several gaming companies as pertaining to legal policies of the game. The increase in sales in the secondary market grew in such a way that it can no longer be ignored. However, “illegal” sale and purchase of items seem, for the moment, unstoppable.iv Though causing a lot of controversy, platinum acquisition outside the Everquest community will continue to grow to massive proportions as more and more people become attracted to MMORPG. For this reason, Sony On-line Entertainment, instead of viewing it as a loss, adapted an auction service that will allow players to buy and sell items and characters.v Currently there is little to be done by game companies regarding this, except to plan ahead for better security in the future. In the mean time, Everquest players can enjoy the benefits of making easy money on-line.
Photo credits: Gruntzooki