Originally by: Tobias Sjodin

---

There are a lot of opinions about EVE-Online out there, and many seem to stem from a general (in my view) misconception of the game. I thought I would address them, and open up a debate regarding what EVE really is. I will list them, and then address them in order:



1. EVE is a complicated game.
2. EVE has a very high learning-curve.
3. EVE has a very hostile, harsh community.
4. In EVE, older players always have the advantage.
5. Starting playing EVE now is pointless, you will always be behind.
6. EVE is tedious and boring.
7. EVE is a sandbox game, you can do anything really.
8. Being in an alliance is the endgame of EVE, and it's the only way to become powerful.
9. The only way to become rich in EVE is to have T2 BPOS, and those are all impossible to get now.
10. EVE allows griefers and scammers, and they ruin the game.


1. Many people say that EVE is hard, complicated and difficult. I would argue that it isn't. Beyond the player controlled economy (which could be construed as complex) it is really quite simple. I believe that the reason why people think EVE is so complicated is because there is no pre-determined direction a player should take (beyond the tutorial). Of course EVE can be said to be complicated in relation to a standard FPS-shooter, but compared to strategy games? I think not.

2. Again I would disagree. Unless the object is to know every minute detail available. Then the opinion is really about the vast amount of data available in the game (know about ships, mods, etc.) which really isn't required to participate in the gameplay. Once you decide a path (though I agree some may believe decision is a learning curve in and of itself)- there really isn't a rough learning curve. If you start as a noob, what you need to learn is limited by the abilities you have. Hence the learning curve is progressive. With new skills, there are some new things to learn. But they build on a base logic. There really are only four paths to go: PvP, Mining, Research, and PvE. Neither of these paths have harsh learning curves.

3. If you go by the forums, maybe. However, there is a vocal minority that likes to degrade people - but they do not represent the community at large. Most people you meet as a new player will be friendly. Especially a good first corporation.

4. Older players (usually) have more skillpoints, yes. But what makes someone have an advantage in EVE is the interest in the game. There are some people who manage to make hundreds of millions of ISK in their first weeks of playing. Whereas others struggle to make 10 million in the same timeframe.

5. Older players leave, new arrive. Which means that if you join today, you will be older than any player joining after you. (Very simple, redundant logic). Also, not everyone train continually. There are older players who took a years break, and fell behind training-wise. You might not be able to be "the best" (eg. have the most skillpoints in the game). But that's a newbies point of view. Amount of skillpoints do not necessitate ability in the game as a player. Some people don't play actively, but gain skillpoints anyway.

6. EVE doesn't force you in any direction. It gives you the option to do what you want. If you want to make lots of money as a noob, you tend to have to "grind" it. Once you have a base capital, as long as you are clever - you don't need to do tedious and "boring" things. I would say, EVE is as fun or as boring as you yourself are.

(cont.)

---