I have been playing a PvP MMO which allows players to spend real-life money to get in-game money and buy items from the in-game economy. Of course, it is a terrible idea to do this and anyone who does it is getting ripped off because the game has full loot mechanics and they die instantly because they usually know nothing about the game, but

By playing it, I am directly contributing to their player numbers and the economy which allows it to function. Indeed, one could argue this is the same for capital itself and that my decision to live is similarly morally questionable, and therefore the entire question is silly, but it still doesn’t sit right with me.

Am I not directly contributing to a system that uses the vulnerable to make large amount of money? Am I not doing so in a way that isn’t actually essential to my happiness or quality of life?

I think, in the mean time, I will move to a different game.