Kaetemi
Some want to take part in an interactive movie, some like to take part in a world that they can make their own, many are in-between. For the less narrative-driven/more sandbox gamers, the story is of little interest and not really engaging no matter how many awars other people give it. In fact, it can be seen as distracting. Agreed. But I was referring to the MMO that received a Best Story Award. With an interesting and engaging story, that's not just the usual bad anarchists vs goodie-two-shoes MMO fare.
IMO, Ryzom is nice in that it has enough lore and RP events to have some appeal to the RPg players while still being low-key enough on the story to satisfy the rpG players. You won't satisfy everyone, of course, so I think that in the end it all boils down to what you are looking for in a game.
In that regard, Ryzom is very much a niche game. And for those of us with non-mainstream tastes, it's nice having a game that is a bit more accomodating even if that means it does not excel in the things that normal peopel look for in a game. That does pose a bit of a marketing problem though :/
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Do not assume that you speak for all just because you are the loudest voice; there are many who disagree that simply have no desire to waste words on you.