A Lived in World?

[Kaurhz]

By design.

They've traded a more lively and active 'world' for higher convenience.

[Absurdity]

By design.

They've traded a more lively and active 'world' for higher convenience.

Pretty much this. You could see a more gradual progression of it in WoW from 2004 to 2011, the more quality of life (which is basically just convenience) features they implemented the emptier the world became.

But it's also how activities are set up, outside of hunt trains, fate groups and treasure maps every group activity is instanced and you can easily queue up for it from anywhere in the world which usually ends up being from the comfort and convenience of a major city/player hub.