I’m Sick of the Whining

Well, it’s somehow hard to describe. I can understand the fears of many people about possible additions of “pay to win” to EVE Online. Although I can’t really understand all the – sorry, but I just have to call it that way – whining and sh*t storming on forums, news sites, etc. It’s just too much and far too exaggerated given the information CCP released over the last few weeks. They admitted failures in communication but it doesn’t appear like they’re hiding something – why should they even try to?

It all started with that infamous leak of the internal CCP newsletter “Fearless”. Looking closely at the page numbers reveals that there are several pages that were cut. For example, the document shows the front cover and starts right at page 5. Why doesn’t it show the pages between? Those pages obviously contained content that wasn’t important and I think they didn’t support the overall impression this should give to readers: The contents are made up for discussion and not policy. Someone just had to take the roles of pros and cons – rather similar to what many probably know back from their time in school. Someone always had to be against smoking in public buildings while others had to take the opposite position – just to name an example.

So, there it started, CCP addressed people’s concerns in several Dev Blog entries, but there were still people trying to uncover the biggest conspiracy in the whole history of internet spaceship games. They’re out for our money and they want it now (or in a very close future). After all they’re a company working to earn money. Even a special summit with several CSM members couldn’t calm all the waves that were started by the previous discoveries. There was still that tiny spark waiting to rekindle the fire of rage.

During the whole drama people kept telling others to unsubscribe the game to show CCP that they’re not happy with their plans, etc. Is it really worth it? Honestly, I’m not playing EVE as some kind of “investment” for the future. I play EVE because I want to have fun. Even if the rumors show up to be true in the end – maybe some months or a year later – who cares? If it’s really unbearable in terms of power advantage (using NeX vs. ignoring it) I can still quit. But why should I quit now just because I might have no fun a year later? Just think about it. What happens if I’m having fun today and next week I decide to no longer log in? Should I be sad for being online this week?

So, please, follow this tiny plea that is meant for all those whining, complaining or trying to convince others to quit – and those sitting on the fence: If you’re having fun now, why don’t you just continue to do so as long as possible? If you decide that you no longer like the game – on any day and for whatever reason – you can still stop playing and do something else. If you worry about your money or time spent in a MMORPG you might be no longer playing in the future, don’t play at all and do something different instead. I’m really confident that CCP is aware of the general attitude of the community in regards selling non-vanity stuff on the NeX store or other micro-transactions. Why should they even try to make some additional money risking a huge chunk of their player base? Sure, they want to make money after all, but they’re not dumb as well.

Actually, I think the whole micro-transaction drama should just end and if you still worry, listen to Douglas Adams: Don’t panic!