British court recognizes RuneScape gold as property in theft case
The UK Court of Appeal has recognized in-game currency in RuneScape as property.
The reason for the proceedings was a case against a former Jagex developer. According to the prosecution, he gained unauthorized access to nearly 70 RuneScape player accounts, withdrew large sums of in-game gold from them, and then sold it for bitcoins. Jagex estimated the damage at £543,123, based on the exchange rate of in-game bonds, which can be bought for gold and exchanged for a subscription — an alternative to real money payment.
The ruling emphasizes that in-game gold is not abstract data. It exists as an identifiable asset, has a definable monetary value, and is actively traded both within and outside the game. Moreover, such assets can become the object of unfair actions that deprive owners of their value and ability to use them. The court said it would be "surprising and unsatisfactory" if such behavior were not considered theft.
![[STREAM] Highguard Launch - Shooter from the Creators of Titanfall and Apex Legends](https://media.ixbt.site/312x192/smart/ixbt-data/1114790/01KFXN5RM9FGS5YKBC03W77Q4M.webp)
