While Online Entertainment and are shifting their models in order to embrace real world money in their virtual lands, the world leader, Blizzard, remains firmly opposed to the trading of in-game items and elements for real world money.

"We do not have any plans to support out-of-game trading for anytime in the near future," Blizzard's representative told Next-Gen.biz. "The game's Terms of Use clearly states that all World of Warcraft content is the property of Entertainment, and Blizzard does not allow 'in-game' items to be sold for real money."

Next-Gen were asking Blizzard whether they might ever embrace a trading platform like Live Gamer, with rival MMOs increasingly embracing the march of commerce.

"Not only do we believe that doing so would be illegal, but it also has the potential to damage the game economy and overall experience for the many thousands of others who play World of Warcraft for fun," the rep added.

Funcom, Entertainment, 10tacle Studios, Acclaim, GoPets LTD and Ping0 Interactive have so far embraced Live Gamer, while the in-game items market is said to be worth 1.8 billion USD. More soon.

By Luke Guttridge

Comments

You can use BBCode

No comments here yet. Be the first and use the form on the left!