Simulating Scarcity in an Online Multiplayer Game: The Counter-Strike Weapons Market

Abstract

Valve Software's popular game Counter-Strike: Source uses prices to balance more and less desirable pieces of equipment purchased by players. Because scarcity in the game is only an illusion, a price adjustment algorithm was implemented to simulate a global weapons market. This simulated market mechanism, its operation, history, and results are examined. In an attempt to better understand what is going on, particularly in regards to how the mechanism produces undesirable results, simple simulations are conducted. Some changes are proposed that may improve the behavior of prices over time.

Keywords: Virtual World, Online Community, Counter-Strike, Market simulation, Prices

JEL Classification: D49, L82, L86, P22