We don’t usually talk about video games here at Remitly, but when it comes to currency, we’re all in. And in the world of gaming, virtual currencies have become just as iconic as real-world money. These digital coins, gems, and credits power entire in-game economies and have become a central part of gaming culture. Some are so well-known that even non-gamers recognize them.
Understanding these popular virtual currencies reveals how game developers build compelling economic systems that keep players engaged. Whether you’re a casual gamer or just curious about digital economies, these currencies have shaped how millions of people interact with virtual worlds.
Here are the most popular in-game currencies that have left their mark on gaming history.
V-Bucks (Fortnite)
V-Bucks transformed how players think about cosmetic purchases in games. Epic Games created this currency specifically for Fortnite, where players use it to buy character skins, emotes, and battle passes.
The currency operates on a simple system. Players can earn V-Bucks through gameplay or purchase them with real money. This dual approach makes V-Bucks accessible to all players while generating significant revenue for the game.
V-Bucks became so popular that they sparked conversations about digital currency across gaming communities. The currency’s success helped establish the free-to-play model that many games now follow.
Robux (Roblox)
Robux powers one of the largest virtual economies in gaming. Roblox users spend this currency on avatar accessories, game passes, and user-created content across millions of games on the platform.
What makes Robux unique is its creator economy aspect. Players can earn Robux by creating and selling virtual items or developing popular games. This system has enabled some users to generate real income from their Roblox creations.
The currency has become so embedded in youth culture that many young players consider it as valuable as real money. Parents often purchase Robux gift cards as presents, showing how the currency has moved beyond the game itself.
Coins (Super Mario Series)
Mario coins represent the most iconic video game currency ever created. These golden circles have appeared in nearly every Super Mario Nintendo game since the original Super Mario Bros. in 1985.
The coins serve multiple purposes across different Mario games. Players collect them for extra lives, to unlock secret areas, or simply for achieving high scores. The distinctive coin sound effect has become one of the most recognizable audio cues in gaming.
Mario coins have transcended gaming to become a cultural symbol. They appear in movies, merchandise, and even inspire real-world promotional campaigns, demonstrating their lasting impact on popular culture.
Gold (World of Warcraft)
World of Warcraft gold has maintained its relevance for nearly two decades. This currency allows players to purchase equipment, trade with other players, and access various in-game services.
The gold economy in World of Warcraft mirrors real-world economic principles. Supply and demand affect prices, rare items command higher values, and players develop trading strategies. This complexity has created a sophisticated virtual marketplace.
Gold farming became such a significant activity that it spawned entire industries. Some players have turned virtual gold trading into real-world businesses, highlighting the currency’s tangible value.
Credits (Mass Effect Series)
Credits in the Mass Effect trilogy represent currency in a galactic civilization. Players use credits to purchase weapons, armor, and ship upgrades throughout their space-faring adventure.
The currency helps establish the game’s immersive science fiction setting. Credits feel authentic within the Mass Effect universe, where different alien species and governments all recognize this standardized currency.
BioWare designed credits to feel scarce enough that purchases matter, but abundant enough that players can experiment with different equipment combinations. This balance enhances the role-playing experience.
Bells (Animal Crossing)
Animal Crossing Bells have become synonymous with relaxed, social gaming. Players earn Bells by selling items, completing tasks, and participating in their virtual town’s economy.
The currency reflects Animal Crossing’s peaceful philosophy. There’s no pressure to earn Bells quickly, and the game encourages players to develop their towns at their own pace. This approach has attracted millions of players seeking stress-free gaming experiences.
Bells gained massive popularity during the pandemic when Animal Crossing: New Horizons provided comfort gaming for people staying home. The currency became part of a cultural phenomenon that extended far beyond traditional gaming audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an in-game currency successful?
Successful in-game currencies balance scarcity with accessibility. They must feel valuable enough that earning them matters, but not so rare that players become frustrated. The best currencies integrate naturally into gameplay and enhance the overall experience.
Can in-game currencies have real-world value?
Some in-game currencies can be converted to real money through official or unofficial channels. However, most game terms of service prohibit selling virtual currency for real money. The perceived value often depends on the time and effort required to earn the currency.
Why do developers create unique currencies instead of using real money?
Custom currencies allow developers to control their game’s economy and create immersive experiences. They also enable different pricing strategies and psychological approaches to purchasing that might not work with real money.
Are in-game currencies here to stay?
Virtual currencies have become fundamental to modern game design. As games continue evolving toward service-based models, in-game currencies will likely become even more sophisticated and integrated into gameplay experiences.