But now, the reality of exchange rates and international income gaps has spawned a virtual version of the real-world relationship between rich and poor countries. While players in wealthier countries casually drop hundreds of dollars to buy their way into better positions in the games — or out of tedious parts of the games — some workers in poorer countries are playing around the clock to produce virtual goods that earn them real money.

These “currency farmers” sell their virtual goods to companies that, in turn, offer them to players who can afford to pay. —Laila Weir

—Boring Game? Outsource It  (Wired)