I know there plenty that don't play EU anymore (not temp banned) but are extremely active on EU related forums. Why? Bored, nothing else to do? or what?? I only spend my time on forums of games that I'm active on ;)
I understand if people, who has been a part of a world like EU for a long time and suddenly stop playing, still wish to be a part of the community, which has been a part of them - maybe for years. People leaves from various reasons too. Some might not be able to afford playing anymore but other than that they do not have any conflicts with neither EU or the community. I can see why they wish to still be on the forums, also, who knows if their situation changes, then there will still be some contacts from last time ... People who are a part of the forums because they have big issues with MA/the gameplay or community, might be there still from frustrations - things they would like to get solved or even they just still wish to be a part of the community ... People who absolutely make it clear how awfull the game, the makers and everybody else for that matters are, I agree, I don't get why they are still around. Seems like some kind of selv-torture ... BUT, in the end I believe it sums up that the personal relations in EU are strong and even when people leaves the game, they still wish to keep their awesome friendsships and the awesome feeling of belonging ...
I have free time, I can play the game (PC speaking point of view) and I also have ped on card... but still I don't play anymore ... game is still boring
I quit the game before, and remained on the forum for quite some time. My main reason was that while I played, the forum and community were a major factor in enjoying the game, and in fact, I think the amount of time split between the game and forum could easily have been equal (though in the end the forum more than the game). I hung around because I wanted to stay in touch with people in my soc, and friends I made. I also hoped that maybe, just maybe, MindArk would change those things that made me leave, and possibly that would entice me to join again. My main "contribution" to the forum at that time was whining. Not constructive feedback, but whining. After Strakkan, whose opionion I have always valued, neg repped me telling me I was a plain whiner, I finally realised I should just let go. And then the Nun convinced me to play again, I sold my right testicle and my spleen, invested it in the game, and here we are... Buying spleen at boxes!
For me, I am simply can't afford to deposit right now. I do not have issues with making a deposit when I have the extra cash... not at all. I am very comfortable with paying for my entertainment. There are just other financial commitments I need to address now. At least I am smart enough to realize that ;) I think you all know what I do over at EF... no secret there... so naturally I will be "active". In addition, WoF is coming so I will get even more active in the forum(s). Best part of WoF for me is that I can be ingame for 20 hours in a weekend, not spend a pec, and have a blast.
I have chipped out all of my skills... I'm level 1 Survayor now :P I still do a mining run in PVP4 every couple of days.. and still keep in touch with alot of friends !
A lot of good points I didn't consider, Thanks Did you chip out your combat skills as well? If so, What days and times do you mine? ;)
I also reconsidered and I think my comments were more directed to the people that quit and do nothing but come back and bash the game or Mindark themselves
I still post but i have quit due to time constraints in RL, maybe when i have more free time i'll play again in the future. The guys who i share the house with also play so kinda hard for me to distance myself lol.
Ill prolly hang around if i quit for a bit on the forums, Gives me something to read, comment on when im bored at school :) Besides Its kindof a routine afther 5,5 years of EU forum activity..
It's no secret that I have taken an extreme step back from any activity in EU whatsoever, and while I initially said that I was leaving, I had to change that identifier for one main reason ... I will not be chipping out. I have spent over 4-1/2 years intensely involved in PE/EU, and at one point, made the decision that I would no longer invest at the increasing levels required to continue toward achieving the goals I had set for myself in 2005. Therefore, my skilling activities basically ceased after VU9 with an occasional hunt or crafting session, and increased from a social perspective with more of a focus on helping new players. As a result, I made some incredible friends along the way, from those who have been in the universe for a while, to those just stepping foot on Calypso. My activities in-game may have basically ceased, but it doesn't mean that I have to throw the baby out with the bath water. However, since I've seen (historically) the same challenges and frustrations over and over again, it has worn thin, and this time, I made the decision to no longer participate. That said (and to relate to the discussion topic), I am an observer now, with an interest to see where all of this platform business goes (whenever it gets here). There is chat in the community where some feel that ND is going to "make it happen" ... meaning, give us something more viable to work with, but again, only time will tell. Therefore, I hang out at the forums to get a pulse on the community with the continued work that MA/FPC are doing with VU10 (and beyond), because the players of the community are the experts, and I respect their experiences. If there's something that catches my interest and I have an opinion, then I'll post, but my posting activity at EF since October 21st has gone from 57% to 48%, and getting lower. It's also no secret that I have loved the Entropia Universe since day one, and I would like nothing better than for MA/FPC to get their act together and start doing right by the players (even though they're making a good effort), but the spirit and the magic that once was there (and for many as I understand it) has been lost, or at least masked. I'm just tuned in to see what's going to happen, and to keep in touch with some incredibly amazing people. However, I would be remiss if I didn't also comment on the fact that I do appreciate the hard work that VF and Lykke have put into this forum. The more relaxed atmosphere and level of flexibility with regard to discussions opens it up more, but I also appreciate that they don't entertain flaming, insults, and personal attacks as part of the forum environment.
I agree that there are probably a multitude of reasons people hang around on the forums after leaving, or getting the boot, from the game. I'd suspect the majority of people wish to maintain the social bonds they've formed over years of playing. It is much easier to leave a program than it is to break healthy social bonds. Being able to maintain those bonds via a forum is a tremendous tool available to us in the modern age. Think how hard it was for WW II vets to stay in touch with people around the world they formed bonds with. Now we fire up a forum or Skype and bam, instant communication. We're blessed for sure. The ones who have left angry or been banned generally stick around for several other reasons. They're so angry that they have a need to "convince" others that the system is faulty, and that their own inappropriate behaviors are not culpable. You could also liken it to an activist. They're so consumed with an agenda that they allow it to consume their lives. Anyone who disagrees with them, or does not agree, becomes a target and a tool of the "system." There's really no reasoning with folks in this state of mind. Watch them and take humor in their antics. It's really quite hilarious to watch them have a melt down about something that #1 doesn't really matter and #2 most people don't have a care about their opinion on the topic because it's always the same thing in a new wrapper. Fortunately, EU has been a force that has brought more people together than driven apart. When I think of all the friends I have all over this planet and all the awesome cultural aspects I've been exposed to and learned about over the past 4 years as a result of playing this game, I am amazed. There are so many wonderfully different cultures out there and being able to be exposed to so many from my computer desk is simply amazing. I'm glad that when people leave the game for those reasons other than angst they stick around and continue to let others benefit from their insights and experiences.
I've chipped and sold just about everything, I don't really post much as I remember being one of the people who would say "if you don't play the game then don't post" kinda thing, but I come back every now and then to see if there has been any improvements to EU, if the planets arrived, if the egg turned into an omelet, etc. No reason to whine or bash MA because in the end what matters to them is $$ so instead I let my wallet speak for itself. I've met many people irl because of EU so at least some good came out of it. I don't play not because I can't afford the game, more or less because I don't see the value for my money. So I just stand by and watch/read, sometimes is funny to read the forums and see people's frustration with the game (sorry but it is entertaining). Time will tell.
