A game. At the end of the day that is what EVE Online is. A game about internet spaceships. For some, that is all it has ever been, or will ever be. I pity those people honestly. They’re missing out on a wonderful opportunity.
The current marketing campaign for EVE Online is “Eve is real.” It truly is.
Real people influencing a virtual universe. Real people travelling to Iceland and forming real friendships. Real life layered by the fantasy we all have come to enjoy.
EVE Online is about what is real. Don’t ever think otherwise.
Today, Alex “The Mittani” Gianturco shared with us the tragic news of Vile Rat’s passing. Most importantly, Sean Smith, the player behind Vile Rat, has left us for the great mystery. I won’t go on to reiterate all that has already been said on Alex’s post. You can read it for yourself.
What I would like to emphasize is our real community. Whether friend or foe, pawn or stranger, our community has come together once again to show its respects. As real people, we are united when it matters. This is what Eve Online is. We’ve helped real charities together. We’ve been the catalyst for real change together. Now, we mourn together.
Be respectful. Separate your real self from your game persona if only for a moment. Now is not the time for roleplay. Now is the time to be real.
Sean, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
o7
With Respect,
Roc
ROC'S RAMBLINGS 
o7 – sending my respect, as well.
Well said.
A mate told me about this early today. I’m speechless.
Makes you realize just how small our universe is.
Sean Smith has been returned to US soil. o7
http://bit.ly/SCWeVU
Roc, thank you so much for sharing. I too am an Eveonline player as well and will always keep the memory of Sean (Vile Rat) Smith in my heart.