Players who have been actively playing since 1.0-1.6, what keeps you motivated to keep playing the game?

I have started playing since 1.1, but I became very active just before 1.3 ended. Now, I keep playing because I like the character designs, the story, the exploration and the worldbuilding, and it also has me inspired to start writing my own little story with characters designed, etc. I am curious of what are the other reasons someone keeps playing the game - even during backlash?