Design and Application of e-Pedigree for Online-Gaming Virtual Property

• Main Authors: Bo Chih Hu, 胡博智
• Other Authors: J. J. Hwang
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/59320123875905396794

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 資訊管理學系 === 99 === There are many types of online games, and development of massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) is relatively advanced. As online gaming becomes more popular, the market for virtual property has flourished. However, since virtual property transactions are a burgeoning business, many problems have also arisen, such as account piracy and game plug-ins. The stolen and counterfeit property that comes out of account piracy and game plug-ins has impacted the virtual property market and can lead to transaction disputes. Using real currency to purchase virtual property can also lead to transaction disputes, such as the buyer not receiving the goods, the buyer receiving goods that are different from the original agreement, or the seller not receiving payment after delivery. In this paper, we propose solutions to the problems mentioned above. Since a gamer cannot tell whether the goods are stolen or pirated before a virtual transaction, the odds of receiving such illegal goods increases dramatically. On the other hand, if the transaction is handled on another platform, there is no way to ensure the transaction will be fulfilled by both parties involved. Therefore, we look into gaming history and develop a virtual property electronic pedigree, which includes information about the goods within the game that can be used for reference before a transaction is finalized. Futhermore, in order to ensure that the transaction is fulfilled by both parties, the virtual property electronic pedigree must be reliable. Therefore, we propose a method to ensure the integrity of the pedigree where the sources of documents and integrity of the information can be checked. This may also help in settling transaction disputes.