Hi!
I got tired of searching for Kats, so I thought I'd ask for Margel Slots (or the equivalent in crowns) in exchange for a piece of art(made by me) of their knights. However, some people told me this would count as a "real money transaction" (which, of course, isn't allowed), while others said it was fine. So I thought I'd ask here first to get a clearer idea of what's considered RMT (Real Money Transaction).
Thanks!
"Margel slots" isn't an in-game item enforceable by in-game trading, so I'd be surprised if you can't make cool art for your friend and then go for a boss run afterwards.
Crowns is another matter.
I don't think this is RMT. This is more like the old steam trading where you exchange item for an item, no real money is spent here and that's what RMT stands for. However, this is on you if you get scammed and this decision is always on the GM's if its RMT or not.
As a matter of due diligence, I would advise you do not engage in practices that could be argued as qualifying as RMT. Strictly speaking, no money is changing hands, either in the form of credit or actual monetary exchange, but the opinions of game moderators may differ significantly from the rules as written. They have final authority in matters such as this and they may have very good reason to argue that this favour represents some value.
In my interpretation of the terms of service, I would be concerned by the statement, "[Grey Havens] will terminate accounts that [Grey Havens] believe[s] are in violation of this policy.," as that makes it clear that this rule's purview is discretionary - that is, it is the GM's decision whether or not the exchange is against Spiral Knights' terms of service.
Any opinion shared in this forum in response to your question should only be taken as advisory until a GM finds the time to address you directly.
As a reminder - Spiral Knights Terms of Service (8):
"Auctions and Sales.
It is against Grey Havens policy to allow accounts, characters, items, or money to be sold for real money on auction sites or otherwise. [Grey Havens] will ask auction sites to respect this policy. [Grey Havens] will terminate accounts that [Grey Havens] believe[s] are in violation of this policy."
I would like to make it abundantly clear that I am not a Game Master, nor am I affiliated with Grey Havens in any official capacity - this opinion is shared as is in the interests of keeping fellow players safe and providing a timely response in the absence of a moderator.
Usually, a GM will advise that you reach out to Spiral Knights' support email for assistance regarding game policy. This may be a more appropriate venue to share your concerns.
I contacted support! Here is my email and their response:
"Hello, spiral knights support!
In the context of the new event, I was thinking of asking players to invite me to the margel bossfight in exchange for a piece of art of their knights made by me, or the value of an invite in crowns. I got told that this might be against the tos and might be considered as RMT. I made a post on the forums about it, but the opinions are mixed. So, my questions are
1. Is asking someone to take me to a party in exchange of a piece of artwork made by me against tos?
2. Is selling a piece of artwork made by me in exchange of crowns against tos?
pd: I just reached 1000 hs on steam! I love this game and thank you so much for keeping it alive, All the news and activities makes me really happy. Keep the good work!"
support:
"Greetings,
Congratulations on 1000 hours, and thank you for the kind words!
On your questions: Trading accounts or ingame currency or items against real money is strictly against the Terms of Service. Each situation is investigated on its own merits.
Regarding verbal agreements: While we investigate and take action against those who scam, we will not enforce verbal agreements. Any such trade is done at the risk of the participants.
I would recommend checking our Terms of Service, as all policies stem from them: https://www.spiralknights.com/tos.xhtml
Regards,
Game Masters"
Thanks Game Masters for your work ! I hope this becomes usefull for all artists out there
I'm glad to see that you got a satisfactory answer from the support team. Hopefully this forum post is useful to other artists in the future also.
Good luck with Margrel, and I hope that the next thousand hours is just as fun if not better than the last!
Any exchange of goods or services outside the game for anything inside the game is considered RMT by GH. That is the official story and people have been warned for exchanging art for energy and stuff. That does not mean you can't hide it but yeah