Scientific article

UDK 347
pdf-version

Stanislav A. Ilyichov
bachelor's degree, Russian State University of Justice named after V.M. Lebedev
(Moscow, Russia),
ilyichovsa@gmail.com

Virtual Items in Team Fortress 2: Problems of Civil Law Qualification

Scientific adviser:
Valeria V. Bedretdinova
Reviewer:
Ekaterina Kovrigina
Paper submitted on: 04/18/2026;
Accepted on: 06/27/2026;
Published online on: 06/27/2026.
 Abstract. The article examines the legal nature of virtual game items using Team Fortress 2 as a case study. The aim is to assess the applicability of existing legal regimes to virtual game property. Using formal legal and comparative methods, alongside a case study of the 2019 "Crate Depression" incident, the article analyses three competing approaches: the licence model, the service model, and the property rights model. The author concludes that current Russian legislation is inadequate for the qualification of virtual items and proposes directions for legislative reform.
Keywords: virtual property, game items, civil law qualification, objects of civil rights, licence agreement, loot box, digital asset, Team Fortress 2

For citation: Ilyichov, S. A. Virtual Items in Team Fortress 2: Problems of Civil Law Qualification. StudArctic forum. 2026, 11 (2): 113–119.

References

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