Main thing is, they keep it fun and interesting. As I see it, the full EVE experience is above all a thinking man's game. No slight on you ladies - I know that there's small but dedicated contingent of female players.
The EVE environment rewards patience, imagination and enterprise - qualities in short supply amongst many of the younger attention span-challenged players. I'm been in only since the beginning of June of this year, and I'm having a blast. Still learning the fine art of frigate, destroyer and cruiser survival.
For those who aren't familiar with the EVE universe: it's a sandbox. There is no endgame, no 'boss battles' no leveling up and no game saves. You can find a relatively safe place to 'park' when you log off, but that's as close to a 'save' as you're going to get. All of the choices you make matter. Nothing's on rails. You're basically free to do as you like, as long as you're willing to take the consequences. You can see the appeal.
EVE isn't 'fair' - not in any way, shape or form. The developers are mostly hands off and allow a wide variety of behaviors. There are areas among the 7500 fully explorable systems that are safer than others (hisec)- where a wanton attack on you by another player is essentially suicide for the attacker (and yes, there are those who exploit that). There are ares where the risk is greater (lowsec). Then there are areas where you are completely on your own (nullsec). But no area is completely safe.
I've had a mining barge suicide ganked in my home system by some one who had a grudge against a couple of our guys. I've had my face melted off in lowsec space because I got careless. The amazing thing is, most of the time, you can contact your opponent after the event and they'll usually help you out with advice.
We've had our corp wardec'ed - that is, war declared against us by another corp. Senior leadership eventually settled the issue, but not before I got blown up as a legitimate war target. And after that, the corp that wardec'ed us offered to help us out with anyone else we thought might need some attention. Amazingly complex dynamics in this game.
Add to that the fact that the game itself is absolutely gorgeous and has an epic soundtrack.
If anyone wants to try it out for free for 21 days, clicky this link. I guarantee that you'll have your mind blown.
Hah! You noob. I have 101+ million skillpoints, and have never flown a battleship. It should be embarrassing, I know, but I'm having too much fun regardless.
Have you heard of Eve University? I'm not affiliated with it (I went to a small, private school), but I've heard great things.
If lots of explosions are your thing Agony Unleashed runs a PvP school (also am not affiliated, but also highly recommended).
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I know a couple. But I think the Hellcats disbanded (all-female lowsec pirate corp).