Entropia Universe AB, operator of the largest Massively Multiplayer Online Real Cash Economy (MMORCE), announced today that it has auctioned off a newly discovered moon in Entropia Universe. The moon went for 1.5 million PED, the virtual currency used in Entropia Universe, which equals $150 000 in real-world money.
The winning bidder, Jan Terje Egeland (whose Entropia Universe alter-ego is “Modified Akoz Power”), will have the opportunity to get a return on the $150 000 investment through revenue sharing with MindArk from all activity on the moon. This includes the activities of other players, as well as the ability to recruit new Entropia Universe participants and net a share of any revenue they generate from their activities anywhere in Entropia Universe. Jan will also get the chance to work closely with the MindArk team throughout the estate’s development process with direct input on important design decisions.
“This is a great example of how MindArk includes players like myself to truly participate in, and shape the universe,” said Jan Egeland. “I hope for a long and fruitful partnership with MindArk.”
Once the moon, which has been named “Monria”, is operational, Jan will assume the role of Monria’s operator. The moon estate includes a Lunar Command Center and two Lunar Habitats, along with eight subsurface caverns filled with unique creatures and rare resources. The new moon, Monria, is expected to be open for exploration in Entropia Universe Q2 or Q3 of 2013.
Is Jan Terje Egeland mad as a hatter? Or could this be an inspired business decision? Let us know what you think in the comments below.