Despite the fact that more than 1.5 million Chinese gamers are currently playing Blizzard's persistent World of Warcraft, it would seem that the vast majority of genuine players aren't receiving the equality they deserve from their English-speaking co-players. The problem appears to be linked with the gold-harvesting trade, with the most prominent home to many gold farming 'houses'. A Chinese website suggests that many English speaking players automatically brand non-English speakers as gold farmers, preventing them from entering groups which comprise a major part of the gameplay experience.

The Chinese site which broke this story has apparently received complaints from as many as 7,000 Chinese WoW gamers, who were asked to type sentences in English to gain entry to certain groups. It seems many English speaking gamers assume that non-native speakers are only in it for the money, something of a serious misnomer, all things considered.

On the alleged discrimination, the owner of the Gold Price list website Mark Mackay, was quoted by Eurogamer.net stating: "Over over 1.5 million players are from China alone, with the majority of these players being non-English. While their has been recent publicity about the gold farm factories in China, it by no means justifies thinking that every Chinese or non-English speaking player is a gold farmer."

Mackay urged English-speaking gamers to be more trusting and help bring a little racial harmony to the virtual microcosm that is World of Warcraft. More as we get it.

Source: Eurogamer.net

By Luke Guttridge