I will never forget the contents of the Life 2.0 documentary we watched in class months ago, and here I am still referencing it to this day. Among the many shocking subjects, Asri Falcone remains at the top of my list. I am in awe of her unbelievable building skills, shocked that she has made 6 figure salaries in SL, and completely envious that she achieves all of this at home, in her pajamas. What a life, right?
In our technological age where almost anything is possible via the Internet, it’s no surprise that hoards of people are beginning to rely on E-commerce. Even more so, these individuals are honing their virtual world skills, and utilizing them for their economic benefits. Seems like a genius idea – spend all day playing, doing what you do best, and get paid for it! What a concept. However, when money is on the line, let alone your entire salary, playful business takes a serious turn towards the “all work and no play” route.
I found the Chinese gold farming article to be incredibly interesting, but it also reinforced my stereotyping of Asian gaming geniuses skewing the fairness of virtual gaming (sorry!). There has been a countless number of times I’ve stumbled upon unrealistic virtual successes, something that cannot be achieved by the average leisure gamer. This article put it all into perspective for me, and really highlighted the lengths to which people take their virtual worlds and businesses. While money, both tangible and virtual, can literally buy anything nowadays, it’s disheartening to see it used for “cheating.”
Aside from the immoral exploitation of leisurely gaming for a quick buck, I fear for those who put their entire economical reliance on these virtual platforms. Not only did these Chinese gold farmers appear to be mentally and physically exhausted, but to rely on “gaming commission” click by click is immensely stressful. One unsuspected kill can set your paycheck back, and who knows how many virtual slip-ups the money grubbing bosses will allow. Gaming glitches? Technological failures? Griefers, even? There are too many virtual hindrances that threaten these sneaky jobs every second of the day. And, if these obstacles are common reoccurrences, kiss a livable paycheck goodbye. While these games may be the ultimate fad now, what happens when they’re outdated? Our society is constantly advancing these technological tools and virtual platforms, so it is only a matter of time before certain games and programs become obsolete. Do the gold farmers struggle through, or take on learning how to master and cheat a new game?
I’m all about making your own success, especially through unique personal talents and skills, but cashing in on virtual gaming fads of today is incredibly risky, uncertain, and to many, unfair. For now, my hats are off to the Chinese gold farmers, Asri Falcone, and all of the rest who follow in their questionable ways. But in this shaky economy, virtual gaming paychecks lack permanence, stability, and security. There are many other facets of the Internet that users can tap into for a more certain and substantial exchange. Slaying virtual dragons and monks will only carry you so far.
Link to a YouTube documentary clip on Chinese gold farmers = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho5Yxe6UVv4
