After discussing Eve Online’s most recent epic battle, we came to a realization: None of us at GamesBeat really “get” it. Some of us have tried Eve before, but for one reason or another, we stopped playing. We couldn’t understand how a complex, difficult, and (seemingly) boring game could have such dedicated players behind it.

At first, we were going to interview hardcore veteran players about why they love it so much. But we thought it’d be more fun to ask you, our GamesBeat readers, instead. So we posed the question to our social networks, where you responded in droves.

We’ve gathered the best and funniest answers below, starting off with a Twitter reply from developer CCP Games. And judging from your passionate comments, we’re obviously missing out.

Glad you asked @GamesBeat,we play #eveonline because it's a true virtual society with good and bad mixed together by the best community ever—
CCP Games (@CCPGames) January 29, 2013

@GamesBeat @JeffGrubb They REALLY REALLY like simulating using Microsoft Excel 24017?—
The Dread Gazebo (@DreadGazeebo) January 28, 2013

@gamesbeat For the challenge! For the adrenaline! For the community! EVE's unique dynamic draws a different group of people. #eveonline—
Kamatz Reamhar (@RainbowBarrage) January 29, 2013

@EveOnline @GamesBeat One server. One world. I reminisce with Corp-mates about previous wars. Some who were enemy combatants—
Ricky McBride III (@rickywrath) January 29, 2013

@GamesBeat In the end, it comes down to a combo of your personality and whether you find a niche in the game before ragequitting #tweetfleet—
Asher (@CosmicFluke) January 29, 2013

@EveOnline @GamesBeat Going places I shouldnt be with ships I shouldnt be flying and making it out alive is a fun lil rush for me.—
  (@Loktofeit) January 29, 2013

@GamesBeat Space travel is currently too slow & the Universe is boring. Until we find better, #eveonline is as good as it gets. #tweetfleet—
2D34DLY4U (@2d34dly4u) January 29, 2013

@GamesBeat I play #EveOnline for the blood and the tears.—
Stephan Manley (@Abyzmi) January 29, 2013

@GamesBeat I like #eveonline cuz ppl pour time, energy and effort into building their perfect ship. and I just blow it up, no gettin it back—
Protarius Liskum (@FrostBitHard) January 29, 2013

@GamesBeat Because it's the only game where I can revenge my loss and bring other players to tears with it. Priceless feeling.—
Caroline Grace (@NewEdenCaroline) January 29, 2013

@EveOnline @gamesbeat And not everyone wants to be a naked purple elf in their game time.—
Sugar Kyle (@ChellaRanier) January 29, 2013

On Facebook, readers delved into even more detail about backstabbing other players and controlling their own corners of the galaxy.