Real-World Parallels in Virtual Worlds： How Game Resource Systems Reflect Human Society

A Real Reflection in the Virtual World: The Secret Correspondence Between Game Resource Systems and Human Society
In a virtual world called “Echoes,” I stumbled upon a phenomenon that made me ponder deeply. The growth of every character in this world relies on an intricate resource system. This system is so similar to the resource allocation mechanisms in our real lives that it made me wonder: Is the game world a microcosm of the real world? The answer to this question might be hidden in every detail of the virtual world.
The arrival of a new character always brings a fresh dynamic. The emergence of “Summer Sky” allowed me to see a typical system of resource flow and social interaction in the game world. To make this character stronger, players need to collect various materials. From the most basic “Low-Frequency Tidal Erosion Core” to the more advanced “High-Frequency Tidal Erosion Core,” and even some special resources like “Phosphorus Evil Bone” and “Golden Fleece,” these resources are clearly categorized, much like the stratification of resources in the real world.
I wonder why game designers would choose such a design. If we compare these virtual resources to those in the real world, we can find some interesting similarities. In real life, to enhance our abilities, we need to acquire knowledge and skills through education, training, and other means. In this virtual world, however, a character’s growth is achieved by collecting specific materials. This correspondence reveals the designers’ deep understanding of human social patterns.
The ways resources are obtained also reflect the social division of labor and cooperation mechanisms in the game world. “Phosphorus Evil Bone” can only be obtained by defeating specific enemies, while “Golden Fleece” can be collected in certain scenarios or purchased from a store. These different acquisition methods mirror the various strategies people use to obtain resources in real life. Some choose to “hunt” for them, while others prefer to “buy” them. This diversity is reminiscent of the many ways resources are acquired in real life.
The in-game resource trading system takes this social interaction to a new level. Players can exchange materials using the virtual currency “Shell Coins” through the game’s trading system. This virtual economic system aligns perfectly with the principles of real-world commercial transactions. Resource exchange is, in essence, one of the most universal human behaviors.
In terms of resource usage, the designers cleverly applied the principle of resource scarcity. Upgrading characters of different levels requires consuming varying quantities and types of resources. This design not only ensures the game’s challenge but also maintains the balance of the resource system. This mechanism is strikingly similar to optimization issues in real-world resource allocation. We are always striving for the optimal configuration of limited resources, and the resource consumption rules in the game are a reflection of this pursuit.
From a sociological perspective, the resource system in the game essentially builds a scaled-down social system. In this system, players need to acquire and distribute resources through individual effort and social interaction. The social behaviors in this virtual world are inherently connected to economic activities in the real world. The cooperation and competition we see in the game are projections of human behavior in real society.
The hoarding of resources in the game is also comparable to saving behavior in real life. Players need to plan ahead and stockpile resources to meet future skill upgrade requirements. This behavior aligns with the economic principles of delayed gratification and long-term investment. The hoarding behavior in the game is an extension of saving behavior in real life.
Finally, the relationship between resource acquisition and social status is another topic worth exploring. In the game world, players with more rare materials often enjoy higher status. This phenomenon is not so different from real life, where access to resources can significantly influence one’s social standing. The game, in a way, mirrors the inequalities and hierarchies present in human society, offering a virtual yet vivid reflection of our real-world dynamics.