The Importance of Story in MMOs

UknownAspect

Or more importantly, the role of story in MMOs.

 

I recently read an editorial peice on massively, found here (http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/the-soapbox-a-case-for-player-generated-content-or-why-mmo-sto/), that discusses developer story versus player generated story and I had a few comments on the issue, but moreso wanted to discuss with the mmorpg.com community.

 

Firstly, I agree with most of what was said in the aformentioned article.  But I am also someone who really has enjoyed the story elements of the story driven MMOs of today.  

But as indicated in the article, seen in EVE, and expressed by this community for the most part, MMO players prefer to be in a virtual world where their experiences define the story.

So how is the delicate balance struck in these games, of providing an immersive world for players to explore while also providing the freedoms that the MMO player should enjoy?  As it stands right now, developers seem to think that intricate lore and story is what gets a community immersed in the game, where as from what I've seen and experienced, the immersion comes from the systems the game provides to the player and how the player uses those systems to mold his or her gameplay experience.

Is it possible to create a virtual world with good lore and story?  Is it possible to create a good story and also have a world where players feel free?