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Chinese gamer killed rival for selling ‘virtual sword’

An online gamer from Shanghai has been given a suspended death sentence for murdering a rival who sold his virtual sword without permission, Chinese state media reported.

Qiu Chengwei stabbed his victim, Zhu Caoyuan, in the chest when he found that he had sold his “dragon sabre” for 7,000 yuan (£473).

Both men were part of the worldwide multi-player game Legend of Mr 3, which features heroes and villains, sorcerers and warriors, many of whom wield enormous swords.

Qiu won his “supreme weapon” after killing a monster and then lent it to Zhu - who sold it. He complained to police, but was told that China has no laws to protect virtual property. After stabbing his fellow player, who had promised to hand on the cash,…

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