There's no singular reason why I play Elite, so I will give you many...
I play Elite Dangerous for the thrill and adrenaline rush of fighting an unknown and terrifying alien race.
I play for the calming and therapeutic effects of exploring in deep space, earning my name on terraformable worlds that will one day be the home of millions.
I play to sate my hunger for credits by transporting thousands of expensive commodities before the latest "Gold Rush" ends.
I play for the feeling of comradery in the latest Community Goal, or Building of a station, or the undermining of a rival faction.
But most importantly, I play to share these experiences with my kiddo, video included...