There’s been a lot of buzz as of late in regards to a white paper released by Sony Online Entertainment that announces the results of its Station Exchange trial. It seems Sony’s finally proven what most MMORPG gamers already knew – there’s a lot of money to be had in virtual sales.During the one-year study period, the auction site pulled in $1.87 million, with players paying as much as $2,000 for a single account on auction. One player managed to pull in more than $35,000 in cash from 351 auctions.
"We've found that Station Exchange is providing an excellent ancillary revenue stream for both SOE and our players," John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment, has been quoted as saying. "Some of our Station Exchange players are literally paying for their subscription to EQII, while others are making significant money."
Perhaps with the doors being shut on eBay sales of virtual items, the exchange idea will catch on, giving gamers who want to buy items and gold the ability to do so. It’s my guess if there’s money to be had in it, which there obviously is, more big gaming companies beyond Sony will adopt something similar.
While I personally feel online sales cheapen gaming, money talks. Nearly $2 million is not too shabby for a year of ancillary income off a couple of games.
Related:
Video Game Virtual Item Sales End On eBay
EQ II Station Exchange Poised For Launch
EQ II Station Exchange Interview
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