Gamer Killed For Virtual Property

The BBC has the story of a young Chinese man who was slain over a virtual property dispute. His killer has been sentenced to life imprisonment. The Guardian Gamesblog has a deeper look at the situation with Terra Novan Ren Reynolds. From the article: "We're becoming a service property marketplace. Is this as good as a manufacturing economy? It doesn't have the moral solidity in a way. You can kind of see that shift in ethical terms. People would think that stealing an album in a shop is immoral, but stealing an mp3 isn't. The idea of property has become more intangible."

Comments

Notion of Ownership?

[th3space]

"The idea of property has become more intangible."

My people had no idea what ownership was until the White Man came over and started tricking us into things that we now regret. Further, we know not of this 'internet' or 'virtual property' that you speak of. We smoke'um Peace Pipe.


note: I am of legitimate Cherokee descent, and feel safe in making fun of my heritage.

Beyond Virtual Theft

[SRA8]

If virtual theft should be prosecutable, as some on this board suggest, what about other crimes? What if you shoot someone on Quake -- can they sue you for wrongful death? What if you bump someone's car in GTA -- can they sue you for virtual whiplash? Where will it stop?