I want my CoH back, so even though I hate to admit it, I'd accept it back even without Paragon Studios or further development of the game. Likely that statement is sacrilege to many of you who consider yourselves more loyal to Paragon Studios than to the game itself, but after nearly 45 days after having the game access pried away from me (and after 7 years of subscribing with 3 accounts), I'd rather deal with NCSoft than with a login screen that doesn't go anywhere. Please understand I'm at the point where Google has started to return 'really, dude?' as the result when I type in 'City of Heroes' in my search for the ten billionth time as I keep hoping for some/any kind of positive news.
I loved and respected all the work of the developers from the first moment I entered Paragon City, and yes, the promise of upcoming content (Battalion!; Moonbase!) was exciting. But for me, the most important aspects were the world that had been created and the toons I added to it and nurtured over the years. If it were up to me, I'd have kept the developers working and creating new content for many years to come, but barring having the expected return on their investment they expected (whatever the blue hell that was), I would have understood a decision by NCSoft to cease new development. What I've never understood since August 31st though, is why close the game when you could continue to offer it with minimal staff/cost to cover maintenance? Or even just subcontract it out. Bottom line is: you're still making money with little further investment. Some would say, 'yeah, but that decision kills the game and runs off the community', well, maybe so, but I'd rather have it killed slowly over the next 5 years than having it shot execution-style last November 30th.
Certainly, logic dictates that the age of the game would eventually make it difficult for CoH to compete with the latest, greatest games, especially knowing that the idea of developing CoH2 had just recently been turned down by NCSoft. However, for me, CoH doesn't have any competition. Some people just want a game to play. Any game. Preferably, the latest, greatest whatever with the shiniest, bestest graphics and gameplay ever. Despite the hatred for NCSoft post 08/31, I know many folks went off to GW2, back to WoW, to try Secret World, or even STO. Manga. Fantasy. Reality. Science fiction. It's all good. Some people love the Superhero themed MMO. So they checked out DCUO and CO. For me, Paragon City is home. I know that's a stubborn (some would say silly) attitude, but that's fine. I'll vote with my cash -- you vote with yours.
So, unlike many CoH vets who downloaded other games on December 1st, I've patiently sat and waited for a miracle that will bring me back home (while wearing out Google along the way). I'd subscribe to the end of 2022 if NCSoft would restore CoH. If they do, they can have my $15/mo x 3 accounts x 10 years = $5400. Otherwise, I'm sure I'll find other things that will pique my interest when I'm not working....but CoH can never be replaced.
