Is This The World's Most Expensive (Non-Existent) Sword?

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Paying $16,000 USD for any kind of sword sounds a little high - But for one that doesn't even exist? That has to be a first. Apparently, that is exactly what an avid Chinese gamer recently forked out. Even more amazing? The virtual sword is part of a brand new video game that has not even been released yet.

The over-priced virtual weapon was sold in late December in an online auction organized by Snail Games, the developer of a highly anticipated Chinese video game called 'Age of Wulin'. Scheduled for beta release in the spring of 2012, the game is based on the ancient Chinese folklore about martial arts adventurers and heroes known as the Wulin. The multi-player game will allow fans to meet online and challenge each other in fantasy settings. The sword was highly coveted because it will be the only one of its kind and most likely, give the owner with an edge over his competitors.

Though the sword was the auction's most talked-about sale, other virtual goods got some decent bids too. One dubbed the Lordly Spear Sheath fetched $2,500 USD, while another called the Sheath of the Hook of Departure sold for $1,600 USD. In order to be amongst the first to play the game, many fans also snatched up pre-paid time cards for $15 USD apiece.

In case you are thinking of yourself getting some expensive non-existent goods, the English version of the Age of Wulin is also in the works - No word on whether they will try auction off another sword though!

While buying virtual goods may not make sense to some of you, it is in fact an extremely profitable business for software developers and social networking companies. Experts estimate that in 2011 fans spent over $2.1 Billion USD buying imaginary goods and services - And that number, is for the US only! Have you ever made a virtual purchase? If so, be sure to let us know, by adding your comments below.

Resources: odditycentral.com, msnbc.com

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227 Comments
  • buckyozo
    buckyozoalmost 13 years
    hmm as a gamer myself i would say it would be reasonable for that much
    • lol!!!!!!almost 13 years
      No i have not. but this is a good sight for current events thank you!!!!
      • SAHILPREETalmost 13 years
        awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would buy it.......
        • kkat1012
          kkat1012almost 13 years
          this is very expensive
          • gibsteralmost 13 years
            first that is so over priced and second y would u spend that on a game that u will play for not even a year. what a waist of money
            • skyetfalmost 13 years
              this is going to be my current event
              • Athenalmost 13 years
                this is not a fair trade in my oppinion
              • Lisaalmost 13 years
                I have bought some virtual stuff before but $16,000? That's crazy! Looks like someone is a big fan of this game.
                • skyetfalmost 13 years
                  im using this for my current event
                • skyetfalmost 13 years
                  im using this for my current event