EVE Online's always outspoken Executive Producer Nathan Richardson answers the question: Sandbox games have proven that they stand the test of time. Why do you think the sandbox model appeals to players even after all these years?

It’s the other players--that’s the appeal. The sandbox is essentially an open environment, with rules and tools that empower players to become the “content” for everybody else playing. And this manifests itself on almost all levels of gameplay and interaction.

Playing the market is interesting because it is player-driven and you are competing with everyone else just by the simple act of selling or buying a good. If you run a mission for an agent and the rewards you gain end up on the market, you have become a competitor. Your resources gained through hacking sites or wormhole exploration are part of the supply and demand. Do you process them? Do you manufacture with them? Or do you research and gain a competitive edge in a specific area?