Prisoner Computer Games

China Earns Money by Making Their Inmates Perform Virtual Gold Farming

Recently, the Chinese government found out it could make money from gold farming on World of Warcraft.

The popular MMORPG is played by people all over the world and it has become a pop culture gaming craze. A lot of people who play the game know that it takes a lot of time to earn money and experience points. This has opened up job opportunities for people to take someone's player and do some otherwise boring gold farming to rank up their savings.

The Chinese prisoners involved in labor camps decided to switch physical labor with tedious keyboard and mouse jobs. Now, prisoners are forced hours on end to farm for gold for other World of Warcraft players.

Virtual Gold Farming
Opportunity for businesses to provide virtual gold farming services to gamers who want to improve their in-game progress without spending excessive time.
Outsourcing Gaming Tasks
Potential for companies to offer outsourcing services for repetitive gaming tasks, allowing players to focus on more enjoyable aspects of the game.
Monetizing Inmate Labor
Opportunity to explore how inmate labor can be monetized and utilized in a way that benefits both the inmates and the companies involved.

Sectors Adopting This

Gaming Services
Companies can create platforms or services that connect gamers with professional gamers or virtual assistants who can assist with gaming tasks.
Outsourcing
Industries can explore the potential of outsourcing non-traditional tasks, such as gaming, to optimize workforce management and improve productivity.
Correctional Facilities
Correctional facilities can explore innovative ways to utilize inmate skills and labor to generate income and improve inmate rehabilitation programs.
SCORE
2.8 out of 10
GENDER
90% Men10% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 15%
Activity 62%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X