New Global Report on the Virtual Economy

The BBC posted an article today about a new World Bank/infoDev report titled "Converting the Virtual Economy into Development Potential: Knowledge Map of the Virtual Economy" (Lehdonvirta, Vili. & Ernkvist, Mirko, 2011. Washington, DC; infoDev / World Bank). It explores the evolution of the virtual economy in such environments as MMOs. A short case study of WoW is included. One intriguing suggestion it makes is that the sale of virtual products (like game gold) could have a positive impact on local, developing economies.

The article and report can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13012041.

I find this mostly striking as we finally have a major player in the global economy--the World Bank--paying attention to the virtual economy. I admit I both of my eyebrows were raised when the link was sent my way. :)

And yes, perhaps the irony of Paragon and others going to China right now for their symposium should not be overlooked.... :)

Reference

*Lehdonvirta, Vili. & Ernkvist, Mirko, 2011. Converting the Virtual Economy into Development Potential: Knowledge Map of the Virtual Economy, Washington, DC; infoDev / World Bank.