Cybersex, Prostitution and Inevitability of Sex – The Dark Secrets of MMO
Some people maintain our entire culture, since it's derived from primal instincts, is determined by sex. We're not going to ponder over this question, but rather examine it's manifestations in MMO RPGs.
Table of Contents
- Cybersex, Prostitution and Inevitability of Sex – The Dark Secrets of MMO
- I like to move it in Azeroth!
- A matter of business
- Public houses and sponsors are the standard
- Will you marry me? It'll pay off!
Will you marry me? It'll pay off!
And now something completely different – teaming up for financial gains. Some games include the mechanics (so to speak) of marriage, enabling players to get different benefits. Getting married often provides access to bonuses or items that can really impact the gameplay. A ring teleporting you to the significant other? Getting a buff to attacks when you're fighting together? A wedding dress with spaceships?
This genre has seen a lot, and the community usually takes advantage of the perks offered by marriage. It shouldn't come as a surprise that for some players, finding wives and husbands is a full-time job. Like an MMO matchmaker. For a small fee, a user may marry us or find us a partner. Or maybe you need a divorce? No problem, madam, money has to flow.
That's just one example of people making money in an unusual way. Businesses offering "private escort" are quite popular. And that's of course not for completing a difficult dungeon. Look no further than The Elder Scrolls Online, where you actually get cat people with oriental accent.
Apart from companionship in everyday games, the offer of course included fulfilling all kinds of whims. And that's all for real money. And there definitely is a line between game coaching and prostitution.
As you can see, some behaviors in MMORPGs are appropriate only for adults, but that's simply inevitable in a game that emulates interaction and invites players to be creative. And, oddly enough, it's something most players should try – enacting an entertainer. I mean this is true, essential role-playing.
Make your own judgment, dear readers. One thing is for sure – sex simply sells well. Particularly in online social games.
