Eve Online Banks On Crazy Machinations
We must admit that we're not entirely up on the craziness that is massively complex, massively scheming PC MMO space sim EVE Online - though for those wanting to get a primer, the Wikipedia page and Jim Rossignol's PC Gamer UK article on the game [PDF link] are a great place to start.
Anyhow, via Nelson's linkblog, it appears that the Eve Intergalactic Bank has been formed by in-game players, and it provides a range of bank accounts for your hard-earned EVE Online dollars - even a 'high interest savings account' with a minimum deposit of 1,000,000,000 ISK. And personal in-game insurance! ("Gives the client cover for the loss of skill points and implants due to pod killing, or money due to ransoming.")
There's even a radio ad for EVE Online podcasts [.MP3] - complete with stirring classical music and requisite cool female voiceover, and other services the bank provides include a well-received share brokering service for in-game companies who go public. There's lots more info on the FAQ page - and the mind boggles.
Comments
What's amazing about Eve is this is just one of hundreds of complex institutions like this. The game encourages (or requires) a baffling amount of player-created content.
The Eve Intergalactic Bank seems to be taking deposits and then putting the capital to work funding industrial production. Unfortunately there are basically no in-game protections for consumers of banking services, no FDIC or international monetary law. So if you're scammed, you're out of luck. But a significant number of these kinds of corporate activities are not scams at all and people live by their reputations.
Posted by: Nelson | May 22, 2006 7:46 AM