Simplicity over complexity, time to change.

[Kazama]

Older MMOs, while progression was important, it was usually a side effect of simply engaging with other players. Yes, sometimes getting that next level would be a motivation, but what kept me logging in were the social bonds and camaraderie that occurred playing with either guild mates or even players you were pugging with for the night.

Well, you see the length of time getting from beginning to end game is what supported that camaraderie. When you spent 3 weeks in one zone to gain 13 levels you had no choice but to meet those players. And, their experience over those 3 weeks directly related to yours in a sense. There was significantly more culture building in early MMOs as we often weren't able to access new content for weeks at a time so we spent it together on that journey. I hate to sound like a geezer but back in those days we had to create our own entertainment because it wasn't shoved down our throat every second. Instead it was there as the fruit at the top of the tree we were climbing and so much sweeter.

I think that is why many look back to FFXI. Yes, it could be time consuming at times, but it featured a variety of types of content. Some players found a niche in a subset of that content. Some enjoyed all of it.

That's a great point. I personally entertained myself for months doing things people never really did. I'd farm memories and beast seals while level capped in the Crag of Dem for a shot to solo BCNMS on BLM, often times having to go rescue parties doing their Promyvions. I spent tons of time running around to strange apparatus and depositing chips in the hopes for Arcane Pots to grow more Elemental Ore. I'd farm low level NMs that didn't get camped and because the world was so massive and there were so many of them I spent a lot of time traveling and sightseeing.