In recent decades, the world of video games has undergone a global transformation, moving beyond mere entertainment to become a source of real income for millions of people around the world. The history of online games for making money is woven into waves of innovation, socio-cultural change and rapid technological development.
In the very early 2000s, the world entered the era of multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). One of the first examples was Ultima Online. Here, players began to master not only the world of fantasy, but also economic opportunities. In-game goods and currency acquired real value, and the army of “gold farmers” engaged in the extraction and sale of game resources grew.
With the advent of World of Warcraft and other popular MMORPGs in the 2000s, the virtual economy became even more complex. Players created virtual enterprises by trading, crafting, and renting virtual real estate. Entities created within the game world began to have real value outside of it.
With the emergence of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin in the early 2010s, some online games began using them as in-game currency. Players could earn cryptocurrency in games and exchange it for real money. This created a new level of earning by combining virtual and real economies.
With the rise of cybersports and streaming in the 2010s, many players began earning not only in-game currency but also real money through sponsorship contracts, donations, and advertising. Professional players and streamers became real stars, attracting the attention of the online entertainment culture.
With the development of blockchain technology and smart contracts in recent years, some projects offer new ways to make money in online games. The possibility of owning unique in-game assets validated by the blockchain opens the door to the creation of decentralized economies and new earning models.
So, the history of online games for making money is an evolution from simple virtual economies to complex systems where virtual and real worlds intertwine, creating unique opportunities for players in the new digital age.