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This is an interesting thread.

With regard the last two posters, I think you both make valid arguments.

I think it is very true that Eve is more than just "pretty graphics", and that pretty graphics are not enough to sustain a game that is neglected in other critical areas.

And I also agree that the numbers are not growing as one might hope or expect, although I don't have much knowledge about that data.

I think it is unfair to hold the Art team responsible for their devotion to art. It is not a binary option: we don't face a choice between good art or a good game. The idea that the art folks are "wasting resources" that could be spent elsewhere is not strong. Firstly, that might be true but it isn't their call to make. they get paid to do art, so they do art. Secondly, it is almost certainly not true. If you want to talk about why the game doesn't grow, then find the right people to hold accountable for that. It isn't the art folks.

But I will say this: Eve is beautiful. Not "good looking", or "pretty". The artwork in Eve goes beyond that. It is truly beautiful. It has grace and intelligence.

I remember when i first came to Eve, I was engaged in the debate about "why we pay subscriptions". I have a colleague who never paid for any software, game or otherwise, and he said Eve was a "total rip off" because it asked for subscriptions from players.

Now I drive a porsche, and this guy catches a train. We have different views on getting what you pay for, in life. We enjoy different outcomes, too. He never gets ripped off. He knows the price of everything.

I decided to stay with Eve, and pay my subscription, primarily because I saw the investment in art, and I like companies that invest in high art. I like to pay for quality, because I enjoy quality.

So, don't underestimate the value of Eve's art team to the business model. CCP are absolutely in the business of brokering art, and they make a pretty fine product, and they employ people who are real artists.

I think that CCP are sort of half way in the business of selling a space ship war game, and half way into the business of selling a chat room with glorious background visuals.

Only their executives know which business is the better one to protect, but we should remain open to the possibility that Eve is, and always will be, a glorious looking chat room, where you can also fight in space ships if you want.

I will still buy that, even though I yearn for a better space war sim, and would dearly love CCP to evolve in that direction.

I will still buy the chat room product, simply because of the quality of the art.