Blizzard announced its largest World of Warcraft ban ever: 59,000 accounts closed, the majority apparently due to gold farming. Some 22 million in ill-gotten gold was also removed from the game. Fans are being more critical than in the past, noting that buyers aren't penalized (though they create the market for it) and that gold farmers will simply buy another license and start back up again, putting more money into Blizzard's pocket. Could official support of in-game wealth transfers be a better solution? Or - even more daring - what if Blizzard sold gold directly to customers? Many believe gold inequities don't significantly change much overall gameplay, Blizzard would make money on every transaction and it might put an end to farming...
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