Is this game slowly dying?

[Nalien]

This is why developers (not just ARRs ones) are stupid for completely shunning sandbox elements when it comes to MMOs. Theme park MMOs have to have a grind to pad out content while they make more, when people finish/get bored with a new ride, populations die off until the next content patch comes with new rides. Even Frontlines, which at its core should be sandbox content, has been heavily theme parked by locking it in an instance and completely removing it from the world. Victory in Frontlines is just for personal achievements, it's not so your server can have your Grand Company coming out on top to reap the rewards.

Competition (not just PvP) in a MMO is a good thing. If Group A wins, they play more to ensure they win again, and Group B players more to try and win next time. Instead we just have a theme park where "Everyone is a winner!", handing out trophies like this just leaves people bored until the next trophy comes out. Competition has people constantly fighting over a trophy, and thus constantly playing.

[Alipoprocks]

Competition (not just PvP) in a MMO is a good thing. If Group A wins, they play more to ensure they win again, and Group B players more to try and win next time. Instead we just have a theme park where "Everyone is a winner!", handing out trophies like this just leaves people bored until the next trophy comes out. Competition has people constantly fighting over a trophy, and thus constantly playing.

I totally agree with this statement. IMO that is why ppl stop logging in until next patch or move on. Competition is fun for many ppl. Look at all the professional sports we have all over the world.