Truck, barter and exchange versus the endowment effect: Virtual field experiments in an online game environment

► We use a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) as a site for virtual economic experiment. ► We use Runescape players to test theories of the endowment effect. ► Individuals with more trading experience are less likely to exhibit status quo behaviour in trade. ► Highly experienced individuals are more likely to swap the item rather than keep it. ► Virtual economies may be useful venues for field experiments.