China bars use of virtual money for trading in real goods

[Ashthal]

Not sure it will change anything as they will probably continue anyway even if it will not be in China anymore but thought it was worth a quote:

China has unveiled the first official rule on the use of virtual currency in the trade of real goods and services to limit its possible impact on the real financial system.

The government also spelled out the definition of "virtual currency" for the first time, which includes prepaid cards of cyber-games, according to a joint circular from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Commerce Friday.

"The virtual currency, which is converted into real money at a certain exchange rate, will only be allowed to trade in virtual goods and services provided by its issuer, not real goods and services." it said.

China has the world's largest population of Internet users, with 298 million people online as of the end of last year.

According to media reports, the virtual money trade topped several billion yuan last year after rising around 20 percent annually.

Since 2007, virtual money trading has drawn official attention, with the government demanding tighter controls as such trading became an avenue for gambling and illicit trade.

Under the new rules, using virtual money for gambling will be punished by public security authorities, and minors may not buy virtual money.

The Ministry of Culture also vowed to step up supervision on money laundering via virtual credits and other illegal online activities.

The most popular Chinese online credits are "QQ coins" issued by Tencent. com, which has at least 220 million registered users. In a media statement Saturday, the company said it "resolutely" supported the new rule.

The statement said Tencent had strongly opposed the underground trading of virtual money, which could enable online theft and fraud. The company would work with the authorities to combat online crimes, according to the statement.

Cui Ran, an expert on the Chinese online industry, said the regulation aimed to "nip illegal online activities in the bud," as current trading volume was still too small to shake the nation's entire financial system.

But as the trade expanded steadily, with increasing conversions between virtual and real money, there would be an impact on the financial system, he noted.

Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China

[Mem]

QQ Coins ? Whats next ? Nerd Notes?

[Atrayo]

Hi Membrain,

I saw this too listed a couple days ago over at Mmorpg.com. Even if the Chinese government puts its foot down on the purchase of virtual currency for a secondary market.

"The virtual currency, which is converted into real money at a certain exchange rate, will only be allowed to trade in virtual goods and services provided by its issuer,...

Basically a game publisher will be the only provider for their game sorta like SOE is with "Station Cash". Further driving the secondary market as an illicit black market industry at least in China itself.

I'm sure some will use a barter system of virtual items in lieu of virtual currency as a loophole.

China may have introduced the West to free games based on micro-transactions as a trend. But fortunately for us they aren't the super power nation of gamers yet. Still like that court settlement in China years ago. Where the plaintiff was awarded the real value of a stolen sword from his account. China's policy on virtual currency may be the harbinger for game publishers in the West.

Time will tell.

PS: It would be nice if TOG had a sub-forum to discuss serious game industry topics. Hint, hint.

[Reoh]

I just take it to the lounge, or TWAU