Entropia Universe was developed and published by MindArk as a massive multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG). It is a science fiction virtual world where players are colonists on various planets. Released January 30, 2003, the game separates itself from other MMORPG in that it has a real cash economy. It is considered a social MMORPG. The developer is continually updating the game content and gameplay as opposed to releasing expansion packs. The game is free to download and play, but gameplay is limited without paying.http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/31

In November of 2010, the largest transaction for virtual property was completed in the Entropia Universe for $335,000 real dollars. The sale was a new record for single transactions in virtual worlds.http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/31/view/news/page/1/read/18597/Entropia-Universe-335000-for-Virtual-Property.htmlMindArk has partnered with developer Arkadia Studios to develop a treasure hunting planet where players will search for treasure with real cash value which can then be withdrawn. The planet will be named Arkadia and will be part of Entropia Universe.http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/31/view/news/page/1/read/18522/Entropia-Universe-Treasure-Hunting-Planet-Announced.html

Entropia Universe is set in the distant future, and the setting varies depending on the planet. There has been a five year conflict with an invading robot enemy on planet Calypso, and Industrialists have emerged with capital to buy Calypso’s land. Ex-soldiers are forced to hunt and mine the planet to survive. Colonists unity is failing as the promise of peace remains unfulfilled. http://www.planetcalypso.com/planet-calypso/

Rocktropia is a planet built around music. Celebrities and music magnates are available for networking and interaction. Competitions and quest are available as well as parties and games. Exclusive music is available for listening, and opportunities are available for building a business or making friends. Official band virtual merchandise can be manufactured, won and collected. http://www.rocktropia.com/

The game is a mix of social interaction, commerce, and entertainment. Players participate in activities with the rewards of potentially earning real money. Depending on what planet the player is on, they can hunt, craft, trade, explore, go to nightclubs, discover music, socialize, play games and a host of numerous other activities. http://www.entropiaplatform.com/platform/3d-internet/When a player first creates an account, they have the option of choosing which planet to be born on, Calypso, Rocktropia or Next Island. There are currently six additional planets in development. Players can access all areas in the universe in game. http://planetroster.entropiauniverse.com/

The game currency is called the PED and is structured in a real virtual world economy. Players can pay into the game for upgrades to weapons or equipment, trade and investments. The game currency can be converted and withdrawn at any time.http://www.entropiauniverse.com/ Travel to any location on the same planet by either walking, running, swimming, or using a teleporter. If your character is killed it becomes a ghost that can view gameplay but not participate. The character will then be transported to the Revival Terminal and revived in 10 seconds. Keyboard commands and mouse are used to navigate the game universe. http://planetroster.entropiauniverse.com/EU_manual_A.pdf