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China Bans Gold Farming
InformationWeek is reporting that the Chinese government has declared a ban on the sale of virtual goods for real currency. This move is poised to shut down a several billion yuan a year business that has been growing by leaps and bounds every year. "The trading of virtual currency for real cash employs hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and generates between $200 million and $1 billion annually, according to a 2008 survey conducted by Richard Heeks at the University of Manchester. He estimates that between 80% and 85% of gold farmers are based in China. [...] Game companies typically forbid gold farming but committed virtual currency traders find ways around such rules. Some game companies have recognized the futility of trying to ban the practice and have built virtual commerce into their game infrastructure."
the harder it's wound, the more likely it is to snap.
I thought it was "The more you tighten your' grip, the more Star Systems will slip through your' fingers."
And most likely you would be running several computers at once and using various hacks, working like a dog. Any semblance of it being a fun game would be completely gone, replaced by simple drudgery.
how is that ANY different than your average MMO player?
In Soviet Russia jokes are formulaic and decidedly non-humorous.
we have to pay the chinese to have fun for us now? What's next, do we pay them to have sex for us, eat for us, pee for us...
This reminds me of the old Carlin skit on prostitution:
"Selling is legal, ****ing is legal. So why isn't selling ****ing legal?"
It's a pretense for nationalization of gold farming companies! (Obama is only sorry he didn't think of it first, LOL.)
Only on /. would a story about gold farming lead directly to conclusions of imminent cultural revolt and overthrow of authority.
Rebel Farmer: The more you tighten your' grip, the more Star Systems will slip through your' fingers
Chinese Govt: Not after we demonstrate the power of this station. In a way, you have determined the choice of the planet that will be destroyed first. Since you are reluctant to provide us with the location of the rebel base, I have chosen to test this station's destructive power on the World of Warcraft.
Rebel Farmer: No! Warcraft is peaceful, we have no weapons you can't possibly-
Chinese Govt: You will provide another target - a military target? The name the system! I grow tired of asking this, so it will be the last time. Where is the rebel base?
Rebel Farmer:
Chinese Govt: There! You see Lord British she can be reasonable. Continue with the operation, you may fire when ready.
Rebel Farmer: WHAT?!
Chinese Govt: You're far too trusting. Runescape is too remote to make an effective demonstration but don't worry - we will deal with your rebel friends soon enough.
Rebel Farmer: noo..
I know the perfect planet for them to demonstrate their power on...
Jita IV will do nicely, thank you.
People replying to my sig annoy me. That's why I change it all the time.