World of Warcraft at Ten Ton Hammer

Virtual worlds vs. multi-user single player games

Our current society is partially built upon the notion that there are more people who prefer to be told what to do or how to do it than there are individuals who thrive on seeking their own path. Our daily lives are saturated with predetermined rules, and the notion of a structured existence is paramount to leading a so-called happy, productive life. We place creative types and pioneers on a pedestal, in part because they achieve things most of us only dream of doing. In the game of life, there are more spectators than there are players.

EVE and other sandbox MMOs share common roots in PnP gaming.

The thrill of adventure can easily be experienced by reading a book or watching a movie, both mediums being voyeuristic by their very nature. This is also reflected in how many choose to approach MMOs, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Theme park MMOs thrive on this concept, often providing a perfect blend of structured gameplay and social interaction. When we hear a new title described as being “solo friendly,” this is the first thing that comes to mind for many of us.

But what about those gamers who prefer to forge their own virtual destiny? For many, simply killing the same raid boss once a week isn’t enough – they want an MMO experience that provides the opportunity for their actions to have a real impact on their virtual surroundings. This is where EVE shines brightest, and why I consider the game to be the best example of true sandbox gameplay currently on the market.

Here’s the sand and some tools – have at it!

EVE’s New Eden provides the perfect backdrop for true sandbox gameplay. While some of the big questions like “why are we here?” or “where am I?” have already been determined, everything else is truly in the hands of the players. This is seen in nearly every aspect of gameplay, from a fully player-driven economy up to some of the gigantic alliance battles that help determine ownership over entire sectors of 0.0 space (those areas not policed by CONCORD). Each and every player is in control of their own destiny in other words, and the actions of individuals can have far-reaching implications that are genuinely impactful on the future of New Eden.

This has led to some pretty intriguing player-driven events over the years. Look no further than the recent disbanding of Band of Brothers as a perfect example, where the actions of an individual have had far-reaching effects that will no doubt fuel an all out war that will last for months. But to reinforce the leading role that player choices play in EVE, it’s important to note that should you so choose, you can avoid the current PvP battle raging in Delve entirely.