50 million dollar hat industry

Team fortress 2 is a a team based game, revolving around a class system. All classes have strengths and weaknesses. in each class, there are even more weapons to further change the class. Along with this, you can customize the look of each character with hats and miscellaneous items, from facial hair to boots to shirts.  5 years after the release, the game is even bigger. Even more weapons, and even more hats. People love the hats so much, that analysts value the trading of these hats at around $50 million. That was 2 years ago.

The game has its own currency: metal. 2 weapons can be broken down to create a scrap. 9 scrap make a refined. Each refined is worth around $1. Anywhere from 2.33 ( 2 refined, 3 scrap) to 2.77 can get you a key, which is around $2.50. Above all, Buds (earbuds from ipods and iphones) are worth 24-28 keys, which is around $35, if you want to buy with real money. these buds can buy hats that have particle effects from confetti to plasma to sunbeams. These hats, known as unusuals, are worth anywhere from a bud to 50-70 buds. People buy these hats for $4000.

Can virtual economies enter real world economies? TF2 is only one example of random drop games. Diablo, World of Warcraft and even Runescape all have economies, and can have items purchased.

If they can, should it be allowed? Technically, its all the games property. you dont own the rights to it. Gold farms for world of Warcraft are sought after by Blizzard, the creator, and attempt to shut them down constantly. Its illegal to hold gold farms in China. Its that bad.

if you dont believe me on people buying these hats for 1000+ dollars?
heres a link: http://www.tf2outpost.com/trade/3422809

Link to article about the tf2 economy:http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.334758-Analyst-Values-Team-Fortress-2-Hat-Trade-at-50-Million