Virtual world articles of Merit – Must Reads
Virtual Worlds are now meaning real money, here’s some of the latest articles.
Fairfield, Joshua,The Magic Circle(November 19, 2008). Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law, 2009; Washington & Lee Legal Studies Paper No. 2008-45. (Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1304234)
Synopsis listed as: The article concludes that although real-world law cannot reasonably be excluded from virtual worlds, game gods and players can control the interface between law and virtual worlds through their agreements, customs, and practices.
Grimmelmann, James Taylor Lewis,Virtual World Feudalism. Yale Law Journal Pocket Part, Vol. 118, p. 126, 2009 ; NYLS Legal Studies Research Paper No. 08/09 #24. (Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1331602)
Stated synopsis: The similarity between ownership of land in feudal England and in Second Life suggests that offline courts should protect user interests in virtual items, gradually, without treating them as full-blown modern “property.”
A little less scholarly:
Latest Spending figures from Virtual Worlds News indicate that In 2009, an estimated $400 million to $600 million will be spent on virtual goods in the United States, and 5.5 billion worldwide.
“Latest report from Screen Digest reveals reveals that the subscription-based MMOG market grew by 22% in 2008 and reached consumer spending levels of $1.4 billion in North America and Europe.” The report also specifically states that “With a 58% share of Western consumer spending on subscription MMOGs and over $2.2 billion in cumulative spending on subscriptions since the beginning of 2005, World of Warcraft remains dominant in the market.”
September report from Gamedaily states that “a new study conducted by the market researchers at VGMarket and PlaySpan says that freetoplay now accounts for half of all digital goods transactions.” Of course this deals with the new browser-based games termed “freemium”, where you can register and play for free, but upgrades to profiles, clothing, and virtual objects are purchases as an extra, but optional, service.
Jay Moffitt is a TN attorney. This blog does not constitute legal advice, and does not create an attorney/client relationship. Jay Moffitt is not certified in this area of law, and TN does not offer a certification in this area of law.
Tags: links, Virtual world, virtual worlds
