Online gamers, especially those with a knack for investing, are being given a chance to enter the world of money management through an Internet-based investment game released by Tokyo-based Nikko Asset Management Co. Ltd.
The game, Country Pick, allots players $10 million to virtually invest in equities in 31 countries and regions. The contest began Jan. 1, and runs through Dec. 30, Akiko Tsuboi, a Nikko Asset Management spokeswoman, said in an e-mail.
The top performers could get the chance to interview at Nikko for the position of product development adviser, Ms. Tsuboi said in the e-mail. The top quarterly performers also will be recognized as Country Pick Quarterly Champions.
The Japanese version of the game, launched Oct. 20, has attracted more than 3,300 players, and the U.S. version has already attracted more than 760 players.
“We at Nikko Asset Management want to offer participants the opportunity to experience investing through global asset allocation,” Ms. Tsuboi said in the e-mail, adding that the game helps players learn to better understand global markets.
The U.S. version is available free online here. — Timothy Inklebarger