Beyond just server downtime, what other long-term damages can a large DDoS attack inflict on a Minecraft server's community or business?

Beyond immediate downtime, large DDoS attacks can cause significant long-term damage. This includes severe damage to the server's reputation, leading to a permanent loss of player base and community trust. For commercial servers, it means lost revenue from in-game purchases and subscriptions, increased operational costs due to mitigation efforts, and potential legal fees if they pursue legal action against attackers. Repeated attacks can also deter potential new players and make it difficult to attract investors, stifling growth and potentially leading to the server's eventual shutdown.