Virtual Economies Finally Being Noticed? (in Off-topic)

Virtual economies attract real-world tax attention

So, does that make Central Bank the FDIC of CB? Looks like we need to open court hearings on each scammer, and where can we buy insurance on our equipment again?

In all seriousness, as soon as virtual economies start taking on real-world consequences, then all the regulations that come with financial matters will probably start being implemented in online games, suddenly pushing all the small games out of the game. I don't like it.

Things like this will never happen since virtual economies depend on a certain worth being assigned to an item. Such as a car, there is labor and value in a material object. An item in a game does not have that inherent value especially when game developers can create and delete these simple database objects without any effort.

Just thought I would let you all see this article.

another nice way for the tax man to get a piece of the action.
I hates taxes anyway.
And if they trully will implement taxes into CB like the VAT or, in holland, BTW.
This game will run dry :S

As much as I hate big brother for constantly looking over my shoulder, this might be really good for cb if it ever does happen. Why? It change cb back from USD Blender to Carnage Blender.

BBQ <\3 Virtual Economy Tax

"As much as I hate big brother for constantly looking over my shoulder, this might be really good for cb if it ever does happen. Why? It change cb back from USD Blender to Carnage Blender."

Or it may just make the problem(as you may see it) worse... as prices of items soar in order to compensate for "fees and taxes".. thus further giving an edge to USD players.

I don't think this could ever be enforced...

Unless governments start to have workers audit on line games. Then who get's the Tax? Area game is hosted in, or area of the player being taxed?

Interesting article, thanks for the link.

About what Miandrital said, if there was a tax implemented, I think the solution would be for Jonathan to bar USD trading, and with USD <-> CBD conversions impossible, CB would likely be exempt from the tax, and thus ends USD blender.

Anyways, how can they really tax the came? We have several players that are not from the US and the IRS can't do a thing about them.

"Anyways, how can they really tax the [g]ame?"

They wouldn't. They would tax Jon. As the "owner" of the game, they would hold him responsible to collect "taxes" on transactions involving CB related items and forward said taxes to the appropriate government agency.(much the same way a business owner is responsible for collecting sales taxes, and employers witholding earnings taxes.... they do all the work, not the government) It's much easier to go after one person than hundreds or thousands.

You could never ban CB to USD transactions. They would just take place outside of CB. Like I'd call Johnnywas and offer to buy him three pints of Staropramen for his Combat Gi.

That sort of thing. ;)

Did someone mention pints?

It always comes down to beer with you two, doesn't it?













Where do I sing up? :P

Of course I meant "SIGN UP", not "sing up".

Phooey. :(

Two words: Offshore hosting

:D Host the CB servers on a private yacht out in internation waters! LOL!

Then watch out for Real Life Pirates! Arrrrrr! ;)

If hosting game servers on private yachts out in internation waters will increase the number of pirates, then lets go for it! We need to stop global warming!

Ramen!

ScraPK, I really think you meant to say 'sing up'.

'what shall we do with the drunken sailor, what shall we do with the drunken sailor....'