UK Judge Rules RuneScape Gold as Real Property in $700K Theft Case
A UK judge has made a significant ruling regarding Old School RuneScape (OSRS) gold, defining it as real property in a theft case worth over $700,000. This decision involves an ex-developer from Jagex, the company behind the popular MMORPG.
Judge’s Ruling on RuneScape Gold as Property
On January 14, a court addressed allegations against a former employee who reportedly hacked into 68 player accounts. He is accused of stealing a massive amount of RuneScape gold and selling it for Bitcoin outside the game.
Details of the Allegations
- The ex-developer allegedly stole billions of in-game coins.
- Jagex claims the stolen gold’s black-market value exceeds $700,000.
- The defense argued that in-game currency lacks tangible value under UK law.
Legal Interpretation of Virtual Currency
The case was examined by Lord Justice Popplewell, who assessed whether RuneScape gold qualifies as property under the Theft Act 1968. He concluded that property should not be narrowly defined and can include non-physical items that can be stolen.
This ruling noted that RuneScape gold is frequently traded, both within the game and externally, establishing the potential for dishonest transactions. Consequently, the court determined that the appropriation of large sums of gold for cryptocurrency could constitute theft.
Implications of the Ruling
This case does not universally apply to all virtual items but sets an important legal precedent. It suggests that UK courts may recognize the value of digital currencies in future theft claims, especially when financial transactions and real-world trading are involved.
The judgment serves to highlight the evolving landscape of digital property rights and the implications for both players and developers in the gaming industry.
