I haven't truly "played" AO for quite awhile. It's the social element (GSP) that kept me here for so long and still draws me back from time to time. I've played numerous MMO's over the years, but I've hit burnout with them. The levelling grind and need to rely on others just isn't my thing.
Lately, I've been happily focusing on single-player games...mostly RPG's. I'm a huge Bioware fan, and I'll replay their games over and over again. I constantly find new experiences from the same games by making different decisions, and I love that. I also love the stories. That's another element that I find lacking far too often in MMO's. AO started off really well in that department, but there hasn't been a true story element to AO for years.
When I'm not enjoying the Mass Effect or Dragon Age games, I'll hit the X-Box for some single-player fun. Rock Band/Guitar Hero, EA Sports NHL games, Resident Evil 5, UFC Undisputed...stuff like that.
Because Bioware is involved, I admit that I'm at least keeping an eye on Star Wars: The Old Republic. I don't know if an MMO will be able to draw me back in, but I'm at least intrigued by the story elements they're trying to add. Time will tell. I also, of course, will be keeping a close eye on The Secret World. While the first glimpses at the game haven't floored me, I'm very intrigued by the setting and possibilties for a social playground that may even be better than AO was.
In the meantime, I'll drool over every sneak peek they give for Mass Effect 3 and continue enjoying yet another jaunt through the worlds of Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Who knows, maybe Baldur's Gate or KOTOR will even call to me again. I'm a very loyal gamer.
