In-game currencies have become a staple of many online games and a big part of the game mechanics and, therefore, the player's strategy. The currencies can be used to make in-game purchases, improve your character, and create a personal style for it. They are not, however, a play-to-earn scam, as they can't be used to improve the player's standing in the game itself.
This article reviews a few in-game currencies that have gone beyond virtual money and become valuable in the real world.
Bitcoin and Minecraft
Minecraft's popularity comes from its creative gameplay, open world, and large community of players. Since its release in 2011, it has sold over 238 million copies, making it the best-selling game ever.
One Minecraft server named Satlantis is offering players an opportunity to earn Bitcoin within the game by completing tasks and trading virtual items. Players earn satoshis or sats which is the smallest unit of Bitcoin. For instance, 1 BTC is made from 100 million satoshis. The server operates in a way where 1 million satoshis are distributed each week amongst its players.
But how do you earn Bitcoin in Minecraft? Once you join the Satlantis server, you must acquire a virtual ASIC miner (the same one used for mining Bitcoin the old-fashioned way) and fill it with emeralds. The more emeralds are supplied the more hashrate players have. ASICs are divided into tiers - lower ones give 10 to hash rate while the higher ones go up to 45.Once players acquire a decent amount they should learn how to make money with Bitcoin such as exchanging it for dollars or euros or using it outside the game for goods or services. Bitcoin is the largest and most steady crypto when it comes to market value. It can be used to store value, make purchases, and be an investment opportunity since its value keeps growing.
V-Bucks in Fortnite
Fortnite was released in 2017, and over the years, it became the biggest battle royal game out there, with over 340 million players. It features a unique building mechanic and a colorful aesthetic. Fortnite can be played across platforms and collaborates with many other popular platforms and games. In-game events such as live concerts and movie tie-ins draw the largest crowds.
V-Bucks are an in-game currency used in Fortnite. Players can buy skins for their characters and unique dances that give their characters a unique individual style. Players trade V-Bucks for goods or services through unofficial channels. The game doesn't endorse the practice, but it's widely used and has a huge market. It's especially popular among players who make cryptocurrency purchases as it allows for fast, secure, and global transfers. Over the years, Epic Games has introduced measures to prevent the black market for V-Bucks, including suspending some players.
Bells from Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing has become one of the most popular games in the genre of cozy gaming ever since it came out in 2020. It's a homestead simulator with complex market mechanics and slow and casual gameplay. Over 42 million copies have been sold, and at its peak, the game had about 30 million active players at any given time.
The in-game currency is called "bells." It's used to purchase furniture, clothing, and tools and to pay off loans for house expansions. There's an online market for bells that operates outside the game's rules, as with most of the in-currencies we mentioned. Since the practice is frowned upon by the game, many players use cryptocurrencies to purchase "bells" without having to provide their personal data.
Gold in World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft (WoW) remains a leading MMORPG since its 2004 launch. With over 100 million accounts created and peaking at 12 million subscribers in 2010, WoW's expansive world and engaging gameplay keep players invested. The game also has a deep lore and complex economics and social guild systems. The game put Blizzard on the map and earned it billions over the years.
The game has two in-game currencies. The older one, called gold, has been around since the game was first introduced. It works like any other game currency, allowing the players to buy items that improve their character and change their appearance. There's a black market for it, somewhat similar to other currencies we mentioned. The second one, WoW tokens, was introduced in 2015, and it can be bought for real money via the game itself or for gold.
Riot Points from the League of Legends
League of Legends (LoL) remains a titan in gaming, boasting over 180 million active players globally. It's been online since 2009 and has become one of the most popular esports games out there, with a tournament viewership of about 4 million per event. It has a huge roaster of champions, and it's updated often enough to keep it fresh.
There are two in-game currencies. Influence points are earned in the game by playing and going through missions and events. Conversely, Riot Points can be bought and sold in the real world. Unlike most other in-game currencies we mentioned, these are bought within the game and on the legal market.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, in-game currencies like Bitcoin, V-Bucks, Bells, Gold, and Riot Points illustrate the significant overlap between virtual and real-world economies. While these currencies enhance gameplay and personalization within their respective games, they also open avenues for real-world transactions and trading.
Despite varying degrees of official endorsement and market presence, their integration with real-world value underscores the growing influence of digital economies in modern gaming.