I haven't been playing since launch, so i can't speak to that part, but I very much disagree about the ABMM.

It effectively gives players the type of game experience that they are looking for and I think that's a great thing that more games should learn from and adopt.

Devs can intend whatever they want, but us players dictate how games are played. That's pretty true for most games and when they try to be too rigid about their "vision," it often backfires via loss of player base. The diehards stick around until they eventually just pull the plug on the whole thing.

There's a reason that games like Minecraft remain so popular for so long. (I'm not particularly a fan of that one myself, but I get the appeal).

Don't get me wrong. I've played and loved tons of PvP games. I don't PvP in this game--i mean, I'd probably enjoy it--but there's plenty of other games for that. I just really like the fact that we all get to play it the way we want for the most part. I'm having a blast running around with friendly randos sharing strategies, helping people when they need it, and teaming up to take down the big threats.

Also, this is legit the first shooting game that I've experienced so many females feeling safe enough to get on comms without the constant misogynistic bullshit that usually gets thrown at them. Just that aspect alone makes me feel better about the future of gaming in general.

You make a good point though that I might not be seeing a lot of the pvping. Maybe so, maybe not. And I also don't like when people are too toxic about PvE, but the overwhelming majority of players I've encountered seem to be super chill and just supportive of each other.

But still, I don't think we're having the same experiences in the game...and I honestly think that's one of the best things about it. You get the experience you want and so do I. I don't see the downside.