Real money for virtual property

The BBC is reporting "A 22-year-old gamer has spent $26,500 (£13,700) on an island that exists only in a computer role-playing game (RPG). "

The guy stands to make money on his investment but if he was really smart he would pay with virtual money.

The Australian gamer, known only by his gaming moniker Deathifier, bought the island in an online auction.

The land exists within the game Project Entropia, an RPG which allows thousands of players to interact with each other.

Entropia allows gamers to buy and sell virtual items using real cash, while fans of other titles often use auction site eBay to sell their virtual wares.

Here's how he is going to make money on his investment.

Deathifier will make money from his investment as he is able to tax other gamers who come to his virtual land to hunt or mine for gold.

He has also begun to sell plots to people who wish to build virtual homes.

"This type of investment will definitely become a trend in online gaming," said Deathifier.

Now, bring in the lawyers, there is going to be a fortune made in the virtual world.

I wonder, will they use virtual courts with virtual judges?
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