It’s interesting that you mention cosmetics because it’s already happening with the micro-transaction models in not only MMOs, but online shooters like Battlefield Heroes. So, we’re already there it seems.

While I do agree with you that developers should be more involved in the intricacies of their games than their players, I still want to some day play in my dream game of a totally malleable environment. Within reason, of course.

I definitely think it has good possibilities especially in the realm of subscription-based games and MMO’s.

There are a lot of great ideas in these literally massive communities and there is an infinite amount of passionate and very intelligent players.

However, there is something to be said about the motivation to impact a game no matter how big or small it may be.

A developer / game designer is being paid to produce quality sustainable entertainment.

A player is a consumer who’s stake in the game is their own entertainment and whatever it is they have to gain from making changes to it.

I feel that what happens to other players should always be in the hands of game devs and that player-driven changes in-game should be limited to cosmetics that don’t directly affect the way the game is played by the entire community.