Trade

A trade system allow players to trade items, money, spells, or anything the game allows to be traded. In order to make a trade, there are a few steps that usually take place. The first step is advertising that the seller has something to trade. The second step is bartering. The final step is to actually exchange the item(s).

The Current System

The current trade system requires a player to select another player by clicking on them to initiate a trade. A(n) item(s) can be added to the trade by selecting them and clicking the add button. Once both parties agree to the trade, and have pushed the Ok button, they can then click the trade button to complete the trade. This will move item(s) and/or money between the players.

A New System

While the current system is a simple and effective way to complete a single trade, there will one day be need for a more effective trade system that allows a player to offer their items to not only one player, but to the public. Some RPGs have accomplished this by establishing an auction system that allows players to post items up for auction (and usually set the price) and the public can then search the auction and see the item. Other RPGs have allowed players to create a small stall which they can fill with a limited number of items. There are pros and cons of each of these types of systems.

Comparisons

Below is a table that tries to identify many of the key features that each system offers and categorize them as pros and cons.

System	Pros	Cons
Current: Player to Player	Difficult to abuse Very personal, creates relationships Fairly simple	Difficult to display your items to the public Little competition between buyers for an item Difficult for buyers to locate items for sale
Auction: Database of items	A single database can hold all the items It is difficult to abuse an auction system All items can be seen inside a single window Easy to sell items, and easy for buyers to find items	The focus is removed from the players and put on items Trade areas become useless because everything just a click away Impersonal, feels similar to ebay
Stall: Individual stores	Creates a realistic trade environment Focuses on the accomplishments of the player Fairly personal, you feel like you are doing business with a person Difficult for buyers to find items	Crowded areas can cause lag Requires users to be logged in to sell items Stalls can be placed in ways that can abuse the system (i.e. in front of an NPC)

Effects

The trade system implemented in the game can effect the games community (how people interact with one another), the economy, and the geography. In the case of the auction system, usually there is a single auction that anyone can access. Because the auction has allows access to so many items, there should typically be few places where players can access the auction. This will force player to return to town, for example, to do their trading.