So... I make it a point to visit the
Eve status monitor server occasionally and this is what I am seeing;-
Currently online: 3,375
Max (24h): 4,325 (2014-01-24 00:05:00)
For those of you that dont understand this;- there are currently 3375 people playing this game as of this post and 4325 players have been on at any single given instance of time. In the past these numbers hovered around 2300 for players online and 3700 for maximum number of players at any single given instance of time.
One could attribute these numbers to various improvements that CCP has made to the game (CCP gives true meaning to the phrase better late than never) in terms of handling the lag and bringing in in game items but I would attribute the increase in these numbers to 2 aspects and here are my reasons why;-
1. Operation Shinobi
The reason this event is so unique is that it encourages a different kind of gameplay away from the normal stand 100 mts away and use my proto rail rifle gameplay. It encourages people to get up close and personal which can be challenging and fun. Yes! I used the word "
fun"! Something Bust 514 hasnt been for a long long time. The reward system in place too for this event also actually makes it worth running around with a Nove Knife stabbing people.
2. 5x in game SP and 3x XP cap
This is not only a good way to bring back vets but also help the noobs gain valueable SP in a short period of time. While the vets can use that SP to unlock a pretty new dropsuit or try out a new weapon, the noobs can use the SP to get that proto weapon or suit or core skill they so long wanted to.
So essentially what CCP has done here either knowingly or unknowingly is that they have created a fun and challenging event with good rewards while catering to the need of the community. Shocking isnt it? Something that as vets have been asking for over a ******* year! If CCP can continue this trend (fingers crossed);- MLK's statement of "I have a dream that Dust 514 will be a great game" will come to pass. Now all that needs to be seen is if its 2020 or 2016.
All in all there have been a good amount of improvements and lesser amount of **** ups.
PS:
IWS: Your opinions are as insignificant as the tiniest hair on my left nut.