The EverQuest game was released in 2004 and allows players to control characters in an online fantasy world called Norrath. These characters gain experience and become more adept at their trade, be it warrior, priest or magician, by completing quests. The game has its own internal currency and magical items are used by characters to boost their powers. Some players didn't want to build up their supplies and characters so they go looking to buy them from somebody else.
In the case of EverQuest, most items that are traded are cash, artefacts and characters; you would often find them on eBay. Sony has done it's best to try to stomp out this kind of trading and has even sued from item trading sites. Powerful characters and items can change hands for hundreds of pounds. Some estimates have put an $800m (£418m) price tag on the global market in game items and cash. In a statement issued to EverQuest players John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment, said it was setting up the marketplace to stop people being ripped off when they buy game goods online.
"Dealing with fraudulent transactions of one type or another takes up roughly 40% of our customer service people's time," he said in the statement. "We believe that by taking this course, we will free up a great number of resources to deal with other things for our players," The Station Exchange will only allow players to buy and sell items. Sony has no plans right now to sell any items itself.
Source:
BBC News
Written by: James Delahunty @ 22 Apr 2005 15:05
