I am fairly new to writing. And sadly this will show in my pieces.
The hope I hold is that I become better with time. However, this is no guarantee. I only recently took up writing because of my passion for EVE. I have been part of this community for twelve years. But I never tried to contribute to it. So I felt the need to contribute to our lovely community in some form.
Because I am acquainted with several writers on this website I decided to give writing a chance. Now you might be wondering why I named this article the way it is. Rightfully so I might add, and I will come to it soon. The premise of this article is a purpose. Which of course is a large component of the sandbox. You enter it with a purpose. Most children enter it to build their sand castles. And as you might have guessed my current purpose is to try and add a little bit to our community.
But when I entered this game all those years ago I had a different goal altogether. Nothing to dissimilar as a child entering a sandbox to build a castle. I wanted to play a meaningful space game. One that would scratch my space game itch, but also provide me with a sense of accomplishment. Luckily it did, I ended up going from goal to goal and put effort into several aspects of this game. Including building a corporation and alliance.
What prompted me to write about this subject? Well recently on my travels through New Eden I noticed some behavior I found odd among newer players. Especially when I compared it to my own experience. Every time I visit rookie chat or interact with newer players one theme comes out on top.
It is never “how can I become a better player” or “I wanna build my own empire”. But always “how can I make as much ISK in an as safe a place as possible”. And this has struck me as particularly odd. You join a game that in essence would allow you to do whatever you please. But your choice is to be as safe as possible and play the game in the most mundane way possible.
Granted not all players will come in with the goal of building an empire of their own. Or will go out to be the greatest Fleet Commanders this game has ever seen. But a purpose and a goal make this game go a long way. My worry with the current emphasis on safety though, is that it does not provide for much of a meaningful goal.
When you expose yourself to a meaningful goal, you will find yourself some meaningful gameplay. Even a reason to keep playing if adversity hits the group you are a part of.
If you are looking about getting into this game, or if you are feeling lost. Find yourself a goal make it small or make it big. Honestly, we as fellow players do not care what the goal is, just make it yours. And stick to it stay with us, fly and fight with us.
Become a lore hunter. Becomes the richest market mogul you can possibly be. Seed warzones, fly black ops, become a ganker. Or become the most trusted person second only to Chribba. Build a corp, grab the riches but play the game the way it fulfills you.
Just Fly dangerous. o7
