Do adults really play these games?
LOL - there's your answer, Pardek!
Sure. They're more complex than chess, I like a challenge.
I've been playing Everquest for almost three years, and last time I checked I've been an adult for several decades now.
While the author of the article has some valid points, he *really* exaggerates most of them.
His article is a classic example of why the (previously) unmoderated "Gameplay" discussion forum on the Sony website was nicknamed "Whineplay" by many of the players -- some people can't seem to just stop playing a game (*any* game, you'll see this syndrome on most games' discussion boards) if they aren't enjoying it any longer, they have to stick around ad infinitum and bitch and moan about how the game developers are conspiring against them.
In fact, they seem to end up enjoying whining more than they ever enjoyed the game itself, and they stick around so they'll continue to have something to whine about.
Most people who play Everquest do it because the developers have made the game *enjoyable*. It's as simple as that.