Habbo Introduces Dual Currency Economy
- Users Can Now Buy Virtual
Goods with Credits
or Rent Virtual Effects with
‘Pixels’
Helsinki, December 10, 2008 - Habbo, the world’s largest virtual world for
teenagers, today announces a dual economy in the virtual world. From now on, Habbo users will be
rewarded for spending time on the site with ‘pixels’, a currency that allows users to rent a
diverse range of special effects for their avatar and virtual room.
The ‘pixel’ economy compliments the existing ‘credit’ system; Habbos can exchange real money
for virtual credits in order to buy items such as virtual furniture (furni), clothes and
accessories. Pixels and credits can also be used together to purchase special items.
The simple way to earn pixels in Habbo is by logging in regularly – the longer you stay
online the more pixels you earn. Habbos also receive pixels by completing ‘Achievements’
(in-world tasks), and by joining the Habbo Club (a paid-for members club).
Users can rent a number of special effects to invigorate their virtual rooms and avatars for
a set period of time. New effects include hover-boards that let Habbos glide around the virtual
world, a ‘frozen’ avatar that turns a Habbo into a moving block of ice, or bubble machines that
blow bubbles into virtual rooms. The pixel economy will be constantly developed based on user
feedback.
Sampo Karjalainen, the co-founder of Habbo comments, “Habbo has always encouraged
users to express their own creativity. Credits allow users to buy innovative and exciting clothes,
furni and accessories to personalise their virtual experience.” He continues ”Now pixels let
Habbos rent new accessories and effects, to create a constantly changing and engaging virtual
environment and I really look forward to seeing how this experience is adopted by the users.”
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