Upcoming Interview with the Maple Team

Comparing the way the game is played today versus the way it was played in the past, such as before the Big Bang patch, players are more likely to set off on their own rather than join parties. For example, I think almost everyone who played near the beginning of Maplestory's lifespan remembers joining Party Quests at all levels and there not usually being a problem finding others; or switching to Channel 1 when taking the ship from Ellinia to chat with other players. On the whole, the game feels much less "friendly" and open than it did previously, mostly on less populated servers. While the more obvious knee-jerk response is that people are growing up and being replaced by a different kind of player, the game itself feels like it's slowly shifting away from a focus on cooperating with others to one where individual strength is now prioritized. Does this theory hold any ground, and if so, is it a deliberate design choice?

Also: Seriously, what's up with all the lasers?

Gyromin of El Nido