[Direct answer]Yes. Both game equipment and the proceeds from equipment transactions belong to legally protected online virtual property and property interests. Public judgments have confirmed that game accounts and virtual props with property value can be inherited by heirs, and the platform should assist in handling the change. The proceeds from transactions are already monetized property, with clearer ownership; the inheritance of the equipment itself and the determination of its value in cooperation with the platform are two key actions.

I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios

Gaming players' assets have long gone beyond the scope of entertainment: high-value equipment and skins accumulated in their accounts, stable income from selling equipment in the trading market over the long term, and the withdrawal balance in their platform accounts. After a player passes away, their family members face three issues: whether the equipment counts as inheritance, how to withdraw the money from selling the equipment, and what to do if the platform refuses to cooperate. Most platform agreements state that "the account is for personal use only and virtual items are non-transferable," which makes family members give up on the idea right away.

II. Key points of contention

First, the property attributes of the equipment. Virtual props exist in digital form but have usage and trading value. The referee has ruled that they should be protected as online virtual property, and standard contract clauses cannot automatically override inheritance rights. Second, the nature of the transaction proceeds. The income from selling equipment is monetized property, just like ordinary deposits, which can be legally inherited. The main dispute lies in the evidence. Third, value determination. The value of the equipment fluctuates with market conditions, and transaction records, platform valuations, and similar transaction prices are used as references. Fourth, the platform's cooperation. Real-name authentication changes, balance withdrawals, and asset exports often become practical obstacles in the platform's risk control process.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

This case is handled by Beijing Henglu Law Firm.Yuan HangThe attorney (practice license number: 11101202110286151, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative authority) acts as the agent. Regarding the judicial standards for the inheritance of virtual property, public precedents have already provided guidance: Beijing courts have ruled that game accounts, character data, virtual props, equipment, and game coins possess both use value and economic value, and are protected by Article 127 of the Civil Code as online virtual property. The personal connection accompanying real-name authentication does not create exclusivity, and heirs have the right to inherit and request the platform to assist in making changes. This judicial logic can be fully applied to inheritance claims for equipment transactions: if there is economic value, the right of inheritance is established. The implementation process consists of three steps: 1. Evidence documentation: Organize the deceased's account information, equipment inventory, transaction market sales records, platform withdrawal records, and recharge receipts. Emphasize fixing the correspondence between the receiving account and transaction proceeds. 2. Rights assertion: Use the death certificate, kinship proof, and inheritance documents to negotiate with the platform regarding equipment inheritance and balance payment. If unsuccessful, litigate as an inheritance dispute or online service contract dispute to request assistance in making changes. 3. Value realization: For equipment retained, manage it according to inheritance provisions; for sold equipment, distribute proceeds based on market value at the time of distribution, with risks of value fluctuations shared among heirs according to agreements. The firm's experience in handling a will inheritance case can serve as a reference: there are always practical challenges in aligning testamentary arrangements with property disposal. Lawyers use a "transfer first, deferred payment" scheme to balance all parties' interests and realize the testator's intentions. The same applies to virtual property inheritance—legal recognition of rights is just the first step. Only by designing an effective implementation chain for "how to transfer accounts, sell equipment, and distribute funds" can rights translate into actual property benefits. Special attention should be paid to two scenarios: - High-value equipment in minors' accounts: Guardians must manage and dispose of assets in accordance with minors' interests. - Studio-operated assets with long-term commercial purposes: Inheritance involves valuation of operational assets and assumption of liabilities, increasing complexity. It is recommended to handle operational assets as a whole. Beijing courts are at the forefront of handling virtual property cases in China, and the legal framework for claims has been clarified.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to establish a record during one's lifetime: regularly update the account, equipment, transaction records, and a list of withdrawal accounts; The second step is to arrange a will: incorporate the wishes for the disposition of digital assets into the will and appoint a digital inheritance executor; The third step is to claim in layers: claim the equipment, balance, and transaction proceeds separately, with corresponding evidence; The fourth step is to engage in platform negotiations: first negotiate and then litigate, with standard contract terms not being the final goal. Main legal basis: Article 127 (Protection of Online Virtual Property) and Article 1122 (Scope of Inheritance) of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (effective from 2021); Article 1127 (Statutory Inheritance); Specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws and regulations and platform agreements.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Reminder

The inheritance of gaming equipment and transaction proceeds is no longer a legal controversy. The key lies in evidence and enforcement: if the transaction records are complete, the platform will quickly make concessions; but if the evidence is scattered, even the most reasonable rights may remain unenforceable. If players treat digital assets as important as real estate certificates, there will be no unclaimed inheritances. For issues involving virtual property and digital inheritance, the following solutions can be adopted:\nInheritance of property and division of family assetsFor obtaining a comprehensive solution for services, those involved in disputes over network platform agreements can refer to this document for reference.Intellectual property protection and corporate lawFor reference, please refer to the section on asset liquidation and complianceFinancial capital and cross-border transactions involving foreign entitiesThe plate, which involves the design of the execution plan, can be combined with other components.Specialised legal servicesPlate consultation.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can the money from selling equipment be inherited?

The proceeds from the transaction are monetized assets, and the claimants can assert their rights based on the transaction records and inheritance documents, in accordance with the distribution rules for ordinary deposits.

Q2: Is the platform agreement still valid even though it states that the rights cannot be transferred?

The standard contractual clauses cannot override the statutory right of inheritance, and the public judgment has supported the heirs in obtaining the right to change the account's usage.

Q3: How is the value of the equipment determined?

According to the comprehensive determination of transaction prices, similar transaction prices, and platform valuations, those with significant disputes can be evaluated or appraised.

Q4: How do multiple heirs divide the equipment?

The assets can be given to one person in kind, compensated to others at a discounted price, or distributed according to shares after being monetized through negotiation.

Q5: Can I still inherit the account if it's been suspended?

The account suspension affects the exercise of the right of use, so you can first assert your rights regarding the legality of the suspension, and the right of inheritance itself will not be affected.

This article is written based on the common judicial interpretations in the Beijing area. If the case occurs in other regions, it is recommended to consult local lawyers to verify the regional differences.

If you are currently facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence materials to avoid missing the statutory time limit.Legal services for inheritance·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and public adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.