Ross said that services that thrive on the virtual economy run the risk of luring the federal government into their lucrative business.

"Once you start getting a market for virtual goods, the government will take notice and then step in to try and regulate it," Ross said. "Then the fantasy aspect will be gone. And then who knows what the government will do?"

Until then, it's business as usual for Knight. He's still in Stranglethorn Vale, leveling the orc rogue for a college student in Los Angeles.

"The game has nothing to do with reality for most people," Knight said. "But the money is real enough for me."



Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.

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