MSNBC recently reported that the online massive multiplayer online game Planet Calypso has just received a real-life banking license. In the report, Online game gets real-world banking license, Entropia Universe was able to lockdown online banking services via the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. This will allow in-game players to cash out in-game currency for real world cash. Online gaming is about to pay off, eh?

Now, I don’t know too much about Planet Calypso as I am only a resident of World of Warcraft and Second Life. So I’m just going to throw it out there and say that my knowledge is limited to what I know from my previous gaming experience, and that I only have an idea of the gameplay. With that being said, the residents of Planet Calypso already spend real life money in-game to purchase in-game items like clothes, furniture, etc… just imagine the Sims. Paying for certain items in-game with in-game currency bought with real money. Got it? Whew! Moving on.

What draws the people in? Well, aside from spending money in-game, you can also earn money from the various jobs and tasks you are allowed to do within Planet Calypso. Those include (but not limited to): mining, farming, selling, throwing nightclub parties, and the list goes on and on. With all of this in-game currency/real-life money in circulation, it was only a matter of time when a “virtual bank” would become an actual reality.

The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority banking system, the company that will soon allow Planet Calypso gamers to have a bank account, will include standard bank services: complete with checking, bank card, and various other financial fulfillment services.

If the Entropia Universe‘ acquisition becomes bankable and, moreover, becomes a viable/reliable financial institution for MMO gamers; then the creators of Second Life, World of Warcraft and other MMO services should take notice. Even players could benefit! Maybe all my hardwork in WoW will pay off after all, right? I’m not holding my breath too long. We ALL have to wait and see how things work out first. Keep it Linked…

[via MSNBC] [image via Planet Calypso Screenshots]