It's interesting how many things that used to be against the EQ terms of service have since been implemented as features. Maps in ShowEQ, EQWindows, and now items for real world cash. How long until they "legalize" the account sales already going on? I suppose the final step is for the game companies to sell experience, skills and other things normally earned by playing the game. But then, what would be the point of playing the game if a rich dude can just train up a character by pulling out plastic?
Outside money influences game economies in a huge way, no doubt about it. I expect Sony's bottom line will go up by offering in game items for sale. The pharmers' bottom lines will, no doubt, go down. It almost feels anti-competitive to me for Sony to move in to this market when they own the game universe.
Real world money often corrupts and compromises the initially planned game universe processes. So it's good to see that Sony is trying to figure out another model. Maybe they can figure out a way to ride or even harness the wave of real world money instead of fighting it.
Last I heard Blizzard is killing anything Sony Online Entertainment offers with World of Warcraft. Could these new in game economics be a result of that?
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