I didn’t realize this until I tried doing something different. Instead of following my usual routine, I went off track for a bit.
Tried random tasks, ignored the efficient path and just played without thinking too much about output.
It felt slow, like I'm doing something wrong, like I was wasting my time and that feeling got stuck with me.
Because it made me realize how used I’ve become to playing in a certain way. Not because the game forces it, but because I already know what works best.
And once you know that, it’s hard to ignore.
You stop experimenting. You stop making random decisions. Everything becomes about repeating what gives the best result.
And it’s not just me.
Most players I see are doing the same thing. Similar routes, similar timing, similar priorities.
Different players, but almost identical behavior.
That’s when it started to feel strange.
Not like people playing freely, but like everyone slowly adapting to the same pattern.
And if that’s the case, then maybe the system doesn’t even need bots.
Because when players naturally move in predictable ways, the game already starts to look automated on its own.
So now, I can’t ignore it anymore.
Are we actually choosing how we play?
or just following the most efficient pattern without even realizing it?