Scamming is so unique because it is not a programmed game mechanic. The entire idea behind it is that you're using your own creativeness to steal ISK from other players. While many scams may use the trade window, a contract, or the market, scamming goes way beyond these techniques.
This is known as metagaming. Wikipedia defines metagaming as the following:
"Metagaming is a broad term usually used to define any strategy, action or method used in a game which transcends a prescribed ruleset, uses external factors to affect the game, or goes beyond the supposed limits or environment set by the game. Another definition refers to the game universe outside of the game itself."
Essentially, metagaming is playing the game in a way that might not have been considered during the creation of the game. Metagaming is very prevalent in EVE, and is especially notable in scamming.
The emphasis of what makes various scams so interesting is combining real game data with a plausible story to convince victims that you're legitimate. If you take the time to understand the various game mechanics of EVE, you can create more thorough scams that will entice players. Combine this with the promise of lots of ISK, a well-written story, and you have the parameters for a very large scam.
All of these things taking place without actually ever doing more than research and using chat, mail, and the forums to communicate. EVE is very much a social game, so it becomes greatly beneficial to make use of all of the various methods to communicate with other players. This means familiarizing yourself with the forums, especially the Market Discussion forums, which will be covered further in this guide.
This page last updated: 2010.02.25
This is known as metagaming. Wikipedia defines metagaming as the following:
"Metagaming is a broad term usually used to define any strategy, action or method used in a game which transcends a prescribed ruleset, uses external factors to affect the game, or goes beyond the supposed limits or environment set by the game. Another definition refers to the game universe outside of the game itself."
Essentially, metagaming is playing the game in a way that might not have been considered during the creation of the game. Metagaming is very prevalent in EVE, and is especially notable in scamming.
The emphasis of what makes various scams so interesting is combining real game data with a plausible story to convince victims that you're legitimate. If you take the time to understand the various game mechanics of EVE, you can create more thorough scams that will entice players. Combine this with the promise of lots of ISK, a well-written story, and you have the parameters for a very large scam.
All of these things taking place without actually ever doing more than research and using chat, mail, and the forums to communicate. EVE is very much a social game, so it becomes greatly beneficial to make use of all of the various methods to communicate with other players. This means familiarizing yourself with the forums, especially the Market Discussion forums, which will be covered further in this guide.
This page last updated: 2010.02.25