http://blogs.valvesoftware.com/category/economics/

Just recently, Valve has received a new member. Say hello to Yanis Varoufakis, professor of Economic Theory.
Gabe Newell sent a e-mail asking him if he would be interested in helping them deal with the micro-transaction system on steam between games that I can assume would be TF2, DOTA 2, and Future games.

What really interests me is that this Yanis guy literally has no video game knowledge, but is fascinated by the inner workings of Valve and Steam. It seems like an odd mix, but microtransactions is becoming more and more relevant with each passing MMORPG.
Plus, the guy's literature is a very good read, and his blog will be updated regularly.

All in all, very interesting page, and it looks like I'll be learning a lot from it.

Also:


(Note: the only other game company that actually has a economics prof helping them is Eve Online, which is being criticized in the video ... not sure if prof was hired before or after the video tho)

Post has been edited 3 time(s), last time on Jun 17 2012, 6:23 am by UnholyUrine.

The funny thing I'm starting to realize about business is that it helps to have people on the business side be ignorant or apathetic to the products of the company (contingent they care about the company for some other reason). It provides a level voice of reasoning that is not emotionally tied to a products success when it is better off terminated. I think it was very smart to find someone interested in the economics behind it instead of the product itself.