Hebei gamer sells Fantasy Westward Journey account for $44,200 to buy new home

A gamer in Hebei province sold his seven-year-old account for the mobile game Fantasy Westward Journey for 320,000 yuan ($44,200), using the proceeds to buy a new property, according to Shangyou News, a Chongqing-based news outlet.

The player, surnamed Xiao, said he played the game casually after work and had invested around 70,000 yuan ($9,700) over the years. He decided to sell his account to pursue his newfound passion for skiing.

Fantasy Westward Journey, a turn-based mobile role-playing game developed by NetEase Games, launched in 2015.

Xiao, a self-described gaming enthusiast since childhood, started playing Fantasy Westward Journey in 2017 with his girlfriend. Through strategic gameplay and luck, he obtained rare equipment and pets, significantly increasing his account's value.

He clarified that any profits from the game were reinvested into other accounts and did not translate to actual income. Driven by his growing interest in skiing and the desire for independence, Xiao sold his account last year and used the money to buy a small apartment in Shijiazhuang.

Xiao's story garnered online attention, with some netizens expressing envy and others questioning the viability of gaming for financial gain.

Xiao advises gamers to prioritize fun over money, citing examples of acquaintances who invested heavily but saw minimal returns when selling their accounts. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying games and maintaining a healthy balance.