In yet another first for both the virtual world and the real world, Entropia Universe creators MindArk PE AB today announced the long-awaited results of the very first virtual banking license auction after months of active bidding.
The five licenses sold for an astounding total of $404,000 to a mix of real world banks, Entropia celebrities, and entrepreneurs, all seeking to invest in the virtual realm. Up for sale since January, these two-year exclusive licenses will integrate real world banking systems into Entropia Universe.
The winners are:
- Avatar Janus JD D'Arcwire, representing a real life bank - paid $59,060
- Russian Internet Payment Provider MONETA.ru, by avatar Yuri iNTellect Efremov - paid $99,900
- Entropia celebrity and famed virtual night club owner Jon NEVERDIE Jacobs - paid $90,000
- Famous cross-world virtual celebrity and entrepreneur Anshe Chung - paid $60,000
- The avatar "Jolana Kitty Brice" (veteran Entropia Universe participant and entrepreneur who wishes to remain anonymous at this time) - paid $95,000
The virtual Entropia Universe banks will work similarly to real world banks. Initially, they will be provided with secure systems enabling them to lend money to participants and collect interest, design and name their own virtual bank building(s), utilize the extensive advertising opportunities available, and make their own personnel available through avatars that can interact with and provide service to other avatars. In order to get the virtual banks operational, each winner must add $100,000 as operational capital. As the only virtual universe whose currency has a fixed exchange rate with the US Dollar, Entropia Universe is providing a means for interested investors to be proactively involved with a real economy on a financial and creative front. The funds acquired in Entropia Universe can easily be withdrawn into real life cash.
With over 580,000 registered accounts, Entropia Universe had a 2006 turnover of over 360 million dollars. MindArk PE AB's Business Development Director David Simmonds enthused, "We are thrilled to welcome these five new partners to Entropia Universe. As we continue to set records in the virtual realm, the next two yearss will be a prosperous, successful time for all parties involved." MindArk CIO Marco Behrmann continues, "This further proves the Entropia concept of having a secure, reliable, and stable economic environment for doing business. The five banks will have integrated services within the mechanics of Entropia Universe and will not just be virtual advertising spots."