Waving from RuneScape: The story of survival and escape of Venezuelans

When the economy collapses and currencies devalue, a group of gamers in Venezuela have unexpectedly found a livelihood in the virtual world of RuneScape. They wave goodbye to traditional industries, then wave goodbye to the entire gaming world. This is not just a story about gaming, but a story about how people find ways to survive during a crisis.

Livelihood in the virtual world: When OSRS gold is more valuable than Bolivar

Venezuela was once one of the wealthiest countries in South America thanks to abundant oil reserves. However, from 2013 onwards, this economy began a decline unprecedented in modern history. Between 2013-2021, Venezuela’s GDP shrank by 75-80%, the most catastrophic economic collapse in 45 years not caused by war, surpassing the US Great Depression and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Statistics up to 2021 show that 95% of Venezuela’s population live below the poverty line, with 77% in extreme poverty. The annual inflation rate in August 2018 exceeded 48,000%, indicating the Bolivar currency was rapidly losing value. Within four months, the black market exchange rate dropped from 1 million Bolivar to 1 USD down to about 7 million Bolivar to 1 USD.

It was at this moment that Venezuelans discovered Old School RuneScape (OSRS) — a retro version of RuneScape released in 2013. Interestingly, the exchange rate of the virtual currency “OSRS gold” compared to USD ranges from 1-1.25 million gold per 1 USD — more stable and valuable than the weakening Bolivar. OSRS requires only modest computer specs, can run in a web browser, allowing millions of Venezuelans, including children using the outdated Canaima computers (distributed free by the government in 2010 to students), to participate.

Venezuelan players began using OSRS to make a living at least since 2017. A well-known community formed in the eastern part of the game map, where the Green Dragon appears. Thousands of Venezuelans gathered there, repeatedly slaughtering dragons, collecting dragon bones and scales to sell for in-game gold, then converting it into Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies to cash out.

According to community data, farming Green Dragons for one hour can earn about 500,000 OSRS gold, equivalent to 0.5 USD. High-level players hunting other bosses like Zurlah can earn 2-3 USD per hour — a salary higher than most Venezuelans with a university degree. Many players interviewed by international media said they earn over 100 USD per month from OSRS, while their parents only make about 10 USD per month.

From Green Dragon to bots: Why gold farmers have to stop

This community has a complex attitude towards Venezuelan gold farmers. On one hand, they are genuine players, not large-scale farming factories; they play the game fairly like others, just to survive. Some recreational players even feel that the existence of manual farm workers improves their experience without spending much money.

However, farming activities definitely impact the game economy. The biggest effect comes from the emergence of bots — automated programs operating 24/7 without rest. Bots started competing from 2023, causing OSRS gold production to surge and prices to continuously fall. Currently, the OSRS gold exchange rate is about 1 million gold for 0.16-0.2 USD, down more than 60% from its peak.

Outdated Canaima computers can no longer help Venezuelans sustain their livelihoods in the game world as more powerful bots take over. Venezuelan players are beginning to shift to other platforms: Tibia, Albion Online, World of Warcraft — continuing to seek opportunities to earn in virtual worlds.

7.9 million people wave goodbye: When the battle shifts from game to reality

Not everyone chooses to keep playing. Some decide to leave these virtual worlds altogether, even leaving their country. According to early this year’s statistics, about 7.9 million Venezuelans have left the country, marking one of the largest refugee crises in Latin American history.

Existence through the game is no longer enough. Those who previously earned a living through virtual gold now have to seek real opportunities elsewhere. José Ricardo, a middleman in buying and selling OSRS gold, also admits that the virtual world is only temporary.

The story of Venezuelans in RuneScape is not simply one of success or failure. It’s a story about how people wave goodbye to seemingly sustainable opportunities, how they learn to adapt when systems collapse, and ultimately, how they are forced to say farewell to an entire nation. Amidst the numbers — GDP collapse, inflation rates, player counts, migration figures — are vivid stories of resilience, survival, and difficult choices in times of economic breakdown.