Speaking of video games, virtual economies are inseparable because they are a part of the gaming experience. Street side coins of old school much appreciated arcade and modern high defined and incorporated MMORPG games all use currencies. In control of these in-game currencies you can effectively be a king, buying the equipment of your dreams, improving your character and advancing through all levels at this game with relative ease. In this guide you will find information about in-game economies and make the first step towards becoming a smart virtual trader.
Understanding the Landscape:
According to CG’s blog post, the first thing a person needs to do in order to conquer any economy – be it physical or virtual – is to get to know what its basic elements are. Here’s a breakdown of some key elements you’ll encounter:
- Currencies: In most cases different games feature one or more virtual currencies that are used to facilitate different exchanges. These can be even simple in-game coins that are earned while playing to coins that are bought with real money.
- Sinks and Sources: The reality is that every economy should contain a balance between how one can get money (sources) and how one can spend it (sinks). Some of the activities you could participate in include, finishing tasks for various characters, trading items or buying improvements for your avatar with the collected virtual currency.
- Marketplaces: Most games have markets where individuals can exchange products and materials with people they are interacting with. It is extremely important to learn about the market including a competition in order to enhance your revenues.
Challenges and Strategies for the Savvy Player:
While in-game economies offer exciting opportunities, they also present challenges:
- Time Investment: Basically, if a player wants to earn some virtual money or in-game credit, grinding usually takes some time. There are efficient strategies that if players learn how to use, can lessen the amount of hours spent playing due to an effective way of making money.
- Market Fluctuations: Players [of in-game economies] barter over prices and currency with other players and the developers change prices frequently by their own accord. By having a post on current trends, you will be in a position to make proper investment choices.
- Predatory Practices: Certain games are likely to engage in strategies that force the player to spend actual money to purchase virtual cash. I think that it is necessary to know about such strategies and not get hooked by overspending.
Strategies for Success:
Well then how do you rise above these hurdles and become the great power of the virtual marketplace? Here are some tips to consider:
- Focus on Efficiency: Reflect upon your mode of playing games and find out which of the activities earns you the most currency. This could be in the form of reaching some special missions, daily tasks or finding the most effective ways of collecting all kinds of resources.
- Become a Market Master: It’s important for you to get extremely familiar with in-game marketplace. Learn about the concept of buying low and selling high for different products and relative availability among the population. Spend time on online forums that pertain to specific types of games to gain business intelligence.
- Utilise Community Resources: There is significant information on in-game economies in most of the online communities and fan’s forums. Get advice from other professional players, including how to approach a deal, and discover the current market trends.
- Prioritise Smart Spending: POV: Do not spend silver earned in the game and purchased with real money on nonsense things. Upgrade boosters and items that change the game, or improve your character a lot.
- Be Wary of Pay-to-Win Mechanics: Some of the games may use mechanics that put players who make micro-transactions with real money in a favourable position. Define to what extent these mechanics are satisfying and entertaining, notice which of them is important for you and prioritise your money in the appropriate way.
Beyond the Basics: A Holistic Approach
Controlling in game economies involves a lot more than just collecting virtual wealth. Gamecraft is about understanding the environment, the strategies of game playing, and choosing what will improve the entire gaming process on a deeper level.
Placed together with a shot of patience and communicating with your team, you will be well on your way to becoming a professional in virtual trading that will thrive well in the multiple in-game economies. Just like the importance of fulfilling wealth and getting as much pleasure out of it – do not forget to have fun while creating your digital wealth and improving it to make your virtual experiences even more enjoyable.
