Venezuelans used the game RuneScape for "farming" or "gold farming" to generate income amid the economic crisis. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game allowed them to accumulate virtual gold coins that they could later sell on external platforms for real money.
How did it work?
- Players spent long hours exploring the world of RuneScape, completing quests and collecting valuable items.
- These items were sold to other players for virtual coins called "gold."
- The "gold" was exchanged in virtual markets for real money through third-party platforms.
Impact on the economy and the community
- Many Venezuelans relied on this activity to supplement their income or even support their families.
- The popularity of "gold farming" in RuneScape generated tensions between Venezuelan players and players from other nationalities, especially Americans.
- The game developers implemented measures to combat account trading and large-scale "gold farming," which made life difficult for many Venezuelan players who relied on RuneScape to survive.¹ ²
Consequences and current situation
- Although some Venezuelan players continue to practice "gold farming" in RuneScape, this activity no longer has the same impact or profitability as before.
- The security measures imposed by the developers and the depreciation of virtual items within the game have significantly reduced the number of people engaged in this practice.