Whilst many companies have expressed a disliking for MMOG in-game items being sold in real-world auctions, appear to be letting their bottom-line do the talking, having announced plans for a new auction site through which players can sell 'virtual property' for real cash. The Station Exchange will enable players to sell characters, gold and artefacts for cold hard currency. This official outlet is apparently a response to a burgeoning underground trade in game items, Sony clearly deciding that if you can't beat them, control them.

Although this auction site will support 2, Sony have been rigorous in their prevention of eBay auctions selling Everquest items in the past, and this new launch comes as part of a major change in tact. The sale and purchase of characters and the like allows long-serving players to cash-in, whilst giving newbies an instant step-up the gaming hierarchy. Sony say the new site will help protect customers from fraud and stifle the 'black-market'. The company will even guarantee auction on the new Exchange, something which will no doubt relieve players conned in past transactions.

Sony believe the trade of items related to their own games may be worth as much as $20 million annually, and whilst it hasn't been officially confirmed, it is expected Sony now hope to take a cut of this via the new site. More on this 'virtual insanity' as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge

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