Eve Online a microcosm

Chris Kruger

According to the BBC, the economic system in Eve online has become a microcosm of the real world.

Dr Enjo Gudmundsson, employed as Eve Online's chief economist, explains: "It's basically the same economic questions as in real life. It's about strategy and an important part about strategic decisions is logistics and having access to the resources you need to win your war."

Gudmundsson and his team publish quaterly updates on the economics of the game. "We are looking at markets, at production and long-term trends that show the movements of the players. We publish basics information on price levels and production values and interesting demographic information so players can rank themselves. Just like ina a real economy, you want to have a benchmark."

Some might wonder why people would be intested in this as a pastime. Gudmundsson continues: "It's games who want something other than the First Peson Shooter. They are using their skills, and learning skills about business, production and management, and having fund in a very competitive environment."

So we start to see a relationship between the virtual world and the real world. The good Doc. finishes, "Eve is a great place to learn business skills, or to sharpen business skills. Players have written to us to say that they have gone on to establish successful businesses after playing Eve."