just curious if you think a real world currency system for a 2D mmorpg. I’m brainstorming now and planning on starting development here soon.
Blizzard attempted real money transactions in Diablo 3 and ultimately abandoned the approach. I feel like that says it all.
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Would probably fall under “gambling” which is forbidden by Unity EULA without separate agreement.
Here you go:
Also, might require you to jump through extra hoops in order to comply with local laws.
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I have looked into this. The system I have came up with is not gambling at all. It’s based on investment and return value. And from playing Entropia Universe they are gambling because each time you place an item on the market place you pay a fee and they get 10% of your earning. In my system it’s free to sell and you can sell at a price no higher then double the amount it took to craft the item. I would have to put a disclaimer that gambling in game is prohibited. Its more about a virtual economy system then gambling. The question would be if unity finds the system I came up with is gambling or not. Then that just a separate license through unity. No I looked into having to make the game its own legal entity as a LLC for tax reasons. I just don’t want to get into the fine details of what I have came up with due to have not copywrited this system yet. You are right I will have to go through extra hoops with local, county, state, and national laws in the USA. The goal is to have people to be able to make earnings without gambling and no gimmick. Also would have to put a disclaimer any cash withdrew from the game will be reported to the IRS, so do your taxes. I do see what you are saying.
You can’t copyright game mechanics, only the actual specific content (maps, graphics, audio, etc).
If it’s actually based on investment and you start talking about returns, be aware SEC regulations are even more complicated and miserable than gambling laws.
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I will look into that
As soon as you start using real money you fall into real laws. And real laws around investment and tax can get really complicated.
Plus you still need to solve the hyperinflationary nature of game economies.
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Yeah not to mention the exchange rates are ridiculous for some countries, it wouldn’t really be worth it in the long run, in-game currency will always be better!
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Ok maybe for a first game it’s not a good idea.
That’s your opinion. What you need to care about is legal definition of gambling, not what “you think” gambling is.
Investment based or not, it is not very different very different from horse racing in the end.
Means you’ll either need to get gambling license OR you’ll need to register yourself as a local bank, stock broker, or something like that.
I advise to consult the lawyer asap. You’re treading some risky territory there.
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