[the_logos]

Don't munge together Second Life and something like WoW though. Most of the big games definitely do -not- use "rl economic models" for the reasons Kylotan talked about. They're not fun for most people and are almost always an example of designers designing for themselves rather than players, even if they don't realize it.

Second Life uses a 'real life economic model' because it officially allows cash-out of Linden dollars to real-dollars and because there is no overarching game within the world except trying to make real money. When there's no game to ruin, real-life economic models are fine. When there's a game to ruin, they pretty much suck for most players.

Remember: In real-life, most people are frustrated about their economic situation.

--matt