A virtual economy is an in-game economy, usually consisting of income streams, marketplaces, and moneysinks.
Virtual Economic Elements
Typical MMORPG income streams
- Money drops from mobs.
- Item drops from mobs.
- Harvested items (also known as resources or trade goods).
- Skill crafted items.
Typical MMORPG marketplaces
- Selling to a vendor.
- Using the Auction House.
- Informal player transactions.
Typical MMORPG moneysinks
- Training fees.
- Transportation fees.
- Vendor purchases.
- Repair bills.
- Quest item turn-ins.
- Auction House fees and cuts.