Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Looking forward to the winter expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/eve-evolved-looking-forward-to-the-winter-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/eve-evolved-looking-forward-to-the-winter-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/eve-evolved-looking-forward-to-the-winter-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Since EVE Online's release in 2003, CCP Games has been the center of one of the most interesting success stories in the games industry. Produced by a tiny indie development studio on a frozen volcanic rock, EVE was the perfect example of how to do things right. The game's publishing deal with Simon & Schuster allowed CCP to buy back the rights to the game several months after its initial release. With no publisher taking a cut of the profits, CCP ploughed subscriptions back into the game's development and grew the development team organically. As a one-game company, CCP worked closely with players to make EVE the best game possible for its loyal playerbase.

In a recent letter to the players, CCP CEO Hilmar laments that somewhere along the line, things changed for the worse. The CCP of today bears little resemblance to the "little indie studio that could" of 2003, not just housing over 600 employees in offices around the world but also developing upcoming MMOs DUST 514 and World of Darkness. Resources are spread thin, and EVE Online has suffered for it. Last month I looked back at the blockbuster Apocrypha expansion and asked why every expansion since then has cut down on the in-space development players want. Hilmar's letter and its accompanying devblog answered that question this week with a solid plan for iteration on flying in space features during the winter development period.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look forward to the winter expansion and explain why each of the issues being tackled in the coming expansion is a big deal to players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Looking forward to the winter expansion

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Looking forward to the winter expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-shipsbalanceblastersCaptains-quartersccpccp-eveccp-gamesestablishmentseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfaction-warfarefactional-warfarefeaturedfonthilmarincarnalagmmo-industrymothershipmothershipsnerfnullsecomg-a-new-fontopinionpvepvpship-spinningsovereigntysupercapital-nerfsupercarriersupercarrierstime-dilationtitantitanswarfarewinteryaySun, 09 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Building a better empire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/eve-evolved-building-a-better-empire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/eve-evolved-building-a-better-empire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/eve-evolved-building-a-better-empire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image: Building a better empire
It's often said that EVE Online is 99% endgame, with only the tutorials and epic mission arcs really providing directed gameplay. Once you get out into the open world, the game is dominated by sandbox laws and social interaction. This is most clear in the lawless nullsec regions where alliances war over territory and build their own empires in the void.

Last week I looked back at the early days of nullsec industry and examined the problems industry has developed over the years. With a massive nullsec revamp scheduled to begin this winter, I went on to speculate on how the game could be changed to bring back the glory days of nullsec industry. Although adequately incentivised local mining and production could transform player-created empires, those aren't the only areas of gameplay being revisited. Sovereignty mechanics, fleet warfare, small gang warfare, exploration and small-scale territorial control will all eventually be redesigned as part of the massive iterative overhaul.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the history of EVE's empire-building and territorial warfare mechanics, some of the problems faced by the sovereignty system, and how those aspects of EVE could possibly be changed for the better.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Building a better empire

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Building a better empire originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfareccpccp-eveccp-gamescolonisationdreadnoughtempireempire-buildingeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedhistoryinfrastructureinterstellar-starbase-syndicateissmapmostly-harmlessnullsecoutpostplayer-owned-starbaseplayer-owned-stationpvpsovereigntystarbaseterritorial-controlterritorial-warfareterritorywarwarfareSun, 28 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE extended downtime has some unfortunate consequences]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/eve-extended-downtime-has-some-unfortunate-consequences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/eve-extended-downtime-has-some-unfortunate-consequences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/eve-extended-downtime-has-some-unfortunate-consequences/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Early this morning, the EVE Online server underwent an extended scheduled downtime for the deployment of the Tyrannis 1.2 patch. The patch deployment proceeded as planned and almost exactly to schedule, with the entire downtime lasting around 12 hours. When the servers came up, however, members of some nullsec alliances noticed that something was amiss. All of a sudden, a number of systems in Delve that had been vacant before the downtime were now owned by Reddit-based alliance Test Alliance Please Ignore.

It soon became apparent that Test Alliance had placed territorial control units in the systems just before the extended downtime began. Under normal circumstances, territorial claim units must be protected by a fleet for the six hours they need to start up. During that time, enemy fleets have a chance to engage the hostile force and destroy their claim unit. If the six hours pass without event, ownership of the system is then awarded to the alliance that placed the structure. By placing the structures immediately prior to the extended downtime, enemies of Test Alliance were unable to contest the claim, which meant it automatically succeeded. What happened next has been the cause of a great deal of controversy on the EVE forums and Reddit.

Skip past the cut for a run-down of what happened next.

Continue reading EVE extended downtime has some unfortunate consequences

MassivelyEVE extended downtime has some unfortunate consequences originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliancesbreakingccpccp-eveccp-gamescorruptionDelveeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgame-masterGMnullsecpvpsovereigntyt20-incidentterritorial-controlterritorytest-alliance-please-ignorewarwarfareTue, 02 Nov 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Each of us has a different idea of the perfect game, whether it's an existing game with a few tweaks or something completely new. Game designers work tirelessly to make their own vision of the perfect game a reality, but there's no telling what players will think of a feature until it's finished. In the process of transforming a feature from a gleam in the game designer's eye to a finished product, something is unfortunately often lost in translation. Limitations in the technology being used or the manpower available can render the ideal implementation infeasible.

As players, we don't really see that full development process. That doesn't stop us from painting our perfect vision of an upcoming or potential feature and how awesome it could be. In the coming years, the EVE Online developers will be going through the process of making some of their most incredible visions a reality. Ideas like walking in stations and integrating the upcoming MMOFPS Dust 514 with EVE's planetary interaction feature will be put through a potentially brutal development process. We can only hope that as little as possible of those visions we've heard from EVE's developers gets lost in translation.

In this speculative opinion piece, I look at a few areas in which EVE is sure to be expanded in the coming years and discuss what I'd consider to be the ideal way they could be implemented or handled.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamesdominioneoheoh-pokereveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedincarnaiterationmini-gamesMinigamesopinionplanetplanetary-interactionpokersleepersovereigntyspreadsheets-in-spacestationstyranniswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Player housing is one of those features we love to see in an MMO but every game that has it seems to implement it differently. Sometimes it's limited to instanced rooms the player can decorate and sometimes it's a little more functional like shared guild halls. In EVE Online, the closest thing to widely-available player housing would be anchorable starbases, which can be configured to serve a variety of functional roles. Originally, their primary purpose was to mine moon minerals and react them to produce advanced materials for Tech 2 production.

Starbases can be very useful as tactical staging points for PvP operations. With the right modules anchored around them, they can also be configured for use in other industries, from mining and manufacturing to research and deep space exploration. Until recently, they also played a critical role in EVE's alliance sovereignty warfare as the alliance with the most starbases in a system gained control of it. With that role now fulfilled by Outposts, Infrastructure Hubs and Territorial Claim Units, starbases have mostly returned to their former industrial and tactical uses.

In this article, I look at five different starbase configurations that can be very useful to organised corporations.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeath-stardepotdominioneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedpiracyplayer-housingplayer-owned-starbasepospvpsafespotsleepersovereigntystarbaseterritorial-controltipstips-and-trickswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

In the sandbox of New Eden, rival alliances vie for control of vast swathes of star systems. The lawless nullsec regions of the EVE Online universe are home to violent alliances of all sizes and fleets with hundreds of ships clash on a daily basis. The political machinations of nullsec have produced many stories of wars fought over territory, stations conquered and fleets dismantled by force. Over the years, each story has become part of the game's living history. Recently, a new chapter in that history began as the nullsec sovereignty system governing territorial warfare received a complete overhaul in the Dominion expansion. The transition period has been rough on some alliances as a new sovereignty system requires new ways of thinking. Some alliances are falling, new ones are being forged to fill the power vacuum and the race is on for people to adapt to the new sovereignty system.

As we've been watching the EVE galaxy performing its Darwinian reshuffle, it came to our surprise that GoonSwarm, the game's biggest territorial alliance, had been disbanded. In the early hours of Wednesday 3rd February 2010, GoonSwarm CEO "karttoon" kicked almost every corp from the alliance, effectively disbanding it. There's more to this story than meets the eye and in this investigative piece, I delve into the thick of it to discover just what's going on with this troubled alliance.

Continue reading GoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama

MassivelyGoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-of-brothersbobccpccp-eveccp-gamesdisbanddominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgoongoonfleetgoonswarmgoonswarm-alliancehistorylorenullsecpoliticspvpsovereigntytheftThu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Dominion 1.1 patch to bring supercarrier changes, fighter bombers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/eves-dominion-1-1-patch-to-bring-supercarrier-changes-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/eves-dominion-1-1-patch-to-bring-supercarrier-changes-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/eves-dominion-1-1-patch-to-bring-supercarrier-changes-fighter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A substantial number of changes will be made to EVE Online tomorrow with the Dominion 1.1 patch. The supercarrier changes and introduction of fighter bombs coming in 1.1 were originally slated for the Dominion expansion's launch last month but had to be postponed. Beyond the changes impacting EVE's capital ship pilots, nullsec warfare will be affected by how CCP is altering the stats of Sovereignty structures. (Territorial Control Units will receive increased hitpoints with reduced onlining time, likewise Sovereignty Blockade Units are getting a defensive buff.)

New features are being introduced as well, like voice fonts for the Vivox-powered EVE Voice. According to the latest patch notes: "This new feature will allow you to alter your voice during chat to increase or lower pitch or to change from male to female voices. This is certainly not going to be abused in any way."

Stick with us past the jump for some highlights of how EVE Online will change tomorrow.

Continue reading EVE's Dominion 1.1 patch to bring supercarrier changes, fighter bombers

MassivelyEVE's Dominion 1.1 patch to bring supercarrier changes, fighter bombers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital-shipscarriersccpccp-gamesdominiondreadnaughtsdreadnoughteveeve-onlineeve-voicefighter-bombersforumsmothershipsnullsecpatch-notespatchessci-fisovereigntysupercarrierstriagevoice-fontsWed, 20 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/ccp-games-declares-exploit-in-eves-new-sovereignty-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


CCP Games has made some sweeping changes to how players claim and contest territory in EVE Online, with the recently-launched Dominion expansion. These changes haven't been without issue, however, and a significant problem with the new Sovereignty Blockade Units (SBU) has arisen. SBUs are anchored by attackers at stargates in a solar system belonging to the territory-holding alliance and disrupts the control of the Sovereignty holder, providing opportunities for attackers to usurp the space holding alliance. Issues with the SBUs prompted the devs to declare an exploit over the weekend. EVE's Community Manager CCP Wrangler stated:

"An issue has been discovered that makes outposts and infrastructure hubs vulnerable to attacks without the attacker having adequate Sovereignty Blockade Unit (SBU) coverage in the system. Attacking outposts and/or infrastructure hubs without adequate Sovereignty Blockade Units in the system is an exploit and any incidents will be dealt with accordingly. Situations where attackers have the proper SBU coverage are not subject to this rule. The problem is under repairs and will be fixed as soon as possible. We thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter."

Continue reading CCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system

MassivelyCCP Games declares exploit in EVE's new Sovereignty system originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsccpccp-gamesccp-wranglerdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsexploitsgame-mechanicspvpsandboxsbusci-fisovereigntysovereignty-blockade-unitterritorial-controlMon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online sets new peak concurrent user record]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/eve-online-sets-new-peak-concurrent-user-record/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The sci-fi MMO EVE Online set a new record this past weekend for users logged in at a given time: 54,181 pilots, up from the previous record of 53,850 set in March of this year. This new peak concurrent user (PCU) count is a significant milestone for the single shard setting of New Eden, where all of those players can (potentially) interact with one another. New Eden is a big place though, a galaxy with thousands of charted solar systems and thousands more uncharted, accessible through wormholes. Given the size of New Eden, those 54,181 pilots may not interact directly but their actions can impact everyone else in the game, regardless of whether it's through trading, establishing or toppling industrial empires, or alliance warfare on a massive scale.

The new PCU record comes in the wake of EVE Online's Dominion expansion launch on December 1 which focuses on revamping the game mechanics of territorial control, or sovereignty, in New Eden's lawless tracts of 0.0 security (nullsec) space. CCP Games Senior Producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson told Massively: "With Dominion, we've made zero security gameplay so much more engaging. We're seeing a lot of people are taking the leap, updating their clones and jumping into the deep end of the pool. They are realizing that taking risks can bring big rewards, and lots of adrenaline pumped moments as well. Co-operation and having good allies is the key to success in the dark and brutal world of zero point zero space. We're seeing players communicate more, team up more and generally have more fun. Each day since release has been exciting for the developers as they watch this expansion unfold and take on a life of its own, in the hands of our ever-creative playerbase."

[Thanks StMistaken!]

MassivelyEVE Online sets new peak concurrent user record originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0ccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsmmo-industrynew-edennullsecpcupeak-concurrent-userssandboxsci-fisenior-producersingle-shardsovereigntyterritorial-controltorfi-frans-olafssonMon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's EVE Dominion launch day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/massivelys-eve-dominion-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/massivelys-eve-dominion-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/massivelys-eve-dominion-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The Dominion expansion for EVE Online may not add an entirely new dimension to gameplay as Apocrypha did with wormhole exploration, but Dominion will redefine New Eden's equivalent of an endgame. The sovereignty game mechanics, essentially the rules of territorial control, have been revamped and will change how EVE Online's alliances claim and tap resources in the lawless expanses of nullsec space. Of course there's a lot more to Dominion than sov changes. So while you're braving that 19-hour downtime and then patching (or repairing) your client, have a look through our roundup of Massively's news coverage and columns focused on how EVE Online is going to change in Dominion.

EVE announces Dominion expansion, Walking in Stations renamed Incarna
CCP Games has announced their 11th free expansion for EVE Online, called "Dominion." As the name suggests, the winter expansion focuses on territories and player control over them.
New faction battleships coming to EVE with Dominion
The developers at CCP Games only just recently announced the next EVE Online expansion called Dominion, and its focus on planetary control. While they say it will bring new features like the COSMOS social network and Epic Mission Arcs for pirate factions, that's not to say that CCP Games isn't looking at other aspects of the game, particularly when it comes to those factions.
Breaking the chains of Sovereignty in EVE's Dominion expansion
While a large percentage of the game's playerbase remains in high security space controlled by NPC factions, for others it's 0.0 space (aka nullsec) where the real action is. In a nutshell, 0.0 is a lawless frontier where the rarest ores and minerals, the highest bounty NPCs, the most lucrative exploration content (in known space) is found. Of course, these regions are the most hotly contested territories in EVE Online and those resources found within are a driver for the continual conflict that engulfs New Eden.

Continue reading Massively's EVE Dominion launch day roundup

MassivelyMassively's EVE Dominion launch day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicslaunchesmmo-industryrounduproundupssci-fisovereigntyTue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's EVE Online PLEX contest: "Enemy at the Gate"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/massivelys-eve-online-plex-contest-enemy-at-the-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/massivelys-eve-online-plex-contest-enemy-at-the-gate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/massivelys-eve-online-plex-contest-enemy-at-the-gate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We let you know earlier this week that Massively is running a contest where you can win up to 15 months of EVE Online game time! We're kicking this off today, and the contest will run over two weeks leading up to the Dominion expansion launch. This week's contest is called "Enemy at the Gate," so-named for the major changes coming to EVE Online and its Sovereignty game mechanics, where stargates will be at the center of conflicts between alliances.

This will essentially be a writing contest, where we pose a question to you about the Dominion expansion. Your entry (limited to 200 words or less, details below) will be judged by the Massively staff on the merits of creativity and presentation. You'll have one full week to enter, by answering our question in the comments below this post. Two prizes will be awarded. The grand prize will be 15 Pilot License Extensions (PLEX), which is 15 months of EVE game time. First prize will be 10 PLEX, so 10 months of EVE game time. Got all that? Great. So here we go -- to enter Massively's PLEX contest, answer this question in the comments below, limiting your response to 200 words or less:

With EVE's new focus on developing infrastructure in 0.0 space in the Dominion expansion and beyond, how will the changes to Sovereignty impact your corporation or alliance?

Continue reading Massively's EVE Online PLEX contest: "Enemy at the Gate"

MassivelyMassively's EVE Online PLEX contest: "Enemy at the Gate" originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-plex-contestcontestsdominioneveeve-onlinegiveawaysplexsci-fisovereigntyMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/ccp-games-elaborates-on-conquest-in-eves-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/ccp-games-elaborates-on-conquest-in-eves-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/ccp-games-elaborates-on-conquest-in-eves-dominion-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"-- Smash the control images -- Smash the control machine --"
William S. Burroughs, The Soft Machine

The Dominion expansion for EVE Online is so-named for its heavy focus on the game mechanics of "Sovereignty" or control of territory in the New Eden galaxy. There's been no small amount of controversy surrounding CCP's proposed system, however, particularly as it's slated to go live on December 1st with the Dominion release. While some of the core game mechanics of control are still undergoing revision, CCP Games recently explained how ownership of solar systems will change hands in a dev blog titled "Storming the Gates."

EVE developer CCP Abathur lays out how new equipment will be used in claiming space and repelling invaders.

Continue reading CCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion

MassivelyCCP Games elaborates on conquest in EVE's Dominion expansion originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesccpccp-abathurccp-gamesdev-blogdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsguildsi-huboutpostspvpsbusci-fisovereigntytcuterritorial-controlwormholesThu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Sovereignty playtest to be held on Friday, Oct 30]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/eve-online-sovereignty-playtest-to-be-held-on-friday-oct-30/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/eve-online-sovereignty-playtest-to-be-held-on-friday-oct-30/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/eve-online-sovereignty-playtest-to-be-held-on-friday-oct-30/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


CCP Games is holding a play test of the new Sovereignty system in EVE Online on Friday, October 30th at 17:00 GMT/UTC on the Singularity test server. The devs are looking for players to jump in and help them fine tune Sovereignty for the Dominion expansion release, which is very much focused on this particular game mechanic. Interested parties are encouraged to show up early, as the devs want to give players a short demo of the new Sovereignty system beforehand. Also, they'll need to divide players into two teams, Red vs. Blue. EVE Quality Assurance dev CCP Tanis writes, "We will be testing several aspects of the new Sovereignty system, think of this kind of like a 'king of the hill' game in EVE."

EVE players interested in helping out (and getting a feel for how the new system will work) should read through the info the devs have listed in the playtest announcement. The developers have stated the testing event will take two or three hours to complete. (As an aside, they're putting the Sovereignty game mechanics through its paces on Mischief Night... what could go wrong?)

MassivelyEVE Online Sovereignty playtest to be held on Friday, Oct 30 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-tanisdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsplaytestsci-fisingularitysovereigntytest-serverThu, 29 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games seeking Dominion expansion play testers, Oct 15th onwards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/ccp-games-seeking-dominion-expansion-play-testers-oct-15th-onwa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/ccp-games-seeking-dominion-expansion-play-testers-oct-15th-onwa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/ccp-games-seeking-dominion-expansion-play-testers-oct-15th-onwa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Dominion expansion for EVE Online will bring some major changes to capital ships and sovereignty when it goes live on December 1st. As that release date approaches, the developers at CCP Games are seeking feedback from the EVE playerbase on some of the changes being made to the game. They aim to do this through large scale fleet battles on the Singularity test server with a minimum of 100 pilots, although hundreds more would be preferable. The tests will first focus on open combat between large fleets and later switch focus to player-owned starbase (POS) sieges. There are three play tests (tentatively) scheduled, with more to be announced:

  • Thursday, October 15, @ 17:00 GMT
  • Friday, October 16, @ 18:00 GMT (this is specifically a Sovereignty test)
  • Thursday, October 29, @ 17:00 GMT
Read the full post from EVE Quality Assurance dev CCP Tanis for more info on the tests and how players can connect to the Singularity test server. Players are encouraged to bring out their capital ships and unleash plenty of drones during these mass-tests of Dominion.

MassivelyCCP Games seeking Dominion expansion play testers, Oct 15th onwards originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-tanisdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsplayer-owned-starbasepossci-fisingularitysovereigntytest-serverMon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE players to tap new resources with Dominion expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/eve-players-to-tap-new-resources-with-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/eve-players-to-tap-new-resources-with-dominion-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/eve-players-to-tap-new-resources-with-dominion-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Big changes are on the horizon for EVE Online in the Dominion expansion and beyond. Alliance sprawl in 0.0 security (lawless) space is going to be curbed, in favor of a new paradigm where alliances claim less territory but can derive much greater value from what they hold sovereignty over. This is the focus of a dev blog from EVE Game Designer CCP Chronotis -- "The Streams Must Flow".

Streams in this case refers to EVE's various revenue streams which are going to be altered in the coming months, and how this will affect players in 0.0 alliances. In the past, supporting a large number of players required an alliance to draw upon the resources of many different solar systems, specifically high-bounty pirate NPCs and valuable ores in addition to a very high passive income from rare moon minerals. CCP is adjusting how those rare minerals are used in Tech II production, meaning more common materials will be used, so Dominion will allow alliances to upgrade their controlled space as a means of generating more income.

Continue reading EVE players to tap new resources with Dominion expansion

MassivelyEVE players to tap new resources with Dominion expansion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0alliancesccp-chronotisccp-gamescomet-miningcometsdark-matterdev-blogdev-blogsdominioneveeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsguildsnullsecresourcessci-fisovereigntyTue, 06 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineexpansionfeedbackinfrastructurepatchsingularitysovereigntytestingwarSun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


A lot of MMOs rarely (if ever) revisit old gameplay mechanics or areas, focusing instead on new expansions. EVE Online is different in that the developers go back and re-visit old aspects of gameplay rather than just focusing on new mechanics and content. Even Blizzard have seen the wisdom in redevelopment of old content, and in their next planned World of Warcraft expansion "Cataclysm", the entire game world is being given a revamp to bring everything up to their most recent development standards.

CCP Games have been using this development strategy for years and coupled with player-based development in the community, EVE Online is truly a game that evolves over time. Player-managed political states shift allegiances, entire empires can rise, span the galaxy and fall within a year and the emergent gameplay that typifies EVE's sandbox style is constantly being expanding on by players. The game we know now is very different to the one we had a year ago and if recent devblogs are any indication, EVE is about to undergo a major evolutionary leap. The entire sovereignty system and the state of capital warfare is about to undergo a complete revamp.

In this article, I take a more in-depth look ahead at the changes that are coming to 0.0, capital ships and the sovereignty system and how I think they could turn out, given my experiences in EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0alliancecapitalccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-evolvedeve-onlineevolutionexpansionfeaturedinfrastructuremothershipopinionpoliticsrevampsandboxsovsovereigntytitanSun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AGDC09: EVE's Nathan Richardsson on the Dominion expansion and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/agdc09-eves-nathan-richardsson-on-the-dominion-expansion-and-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/agdc09-eves-nathan-richardsson-on-the-dominion-expansion-and-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/agdc09-eves-nathan-richardsson-on-the-dominion-expansion-and-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Massively was on the ground at the Game Developers Conference 2009 in Austin this week, and had a chance to sit down with Nathan "Oveur" Richardsson, Executive Producer of EVE Online. We discussed EVE's winter expansion, Dominion, and the new dimensions to the sci-fi MMO's setting that CCP Games hopes to introduce. We also learned a bit more about the company's plans to expand EVE into other platforms, namely through the COSMOS social network which will tie in with the game from Dominion onward.

Continue reading AGDC09: EVE's Nathan Richardsson on the Dominion expansion and beyond

MassivelyAGDC09: EVE's Nathan Richardsson on the Dominion expansion and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdc-2009capital-shipsccp-gamesconsolescosmosdominiondust-514eve-onlineexpansionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsinterviewsiphonemassively-interviewsmmo-industrymobilenathan-richardssonoveurpen-and-papersandboxsci-fisocial-networkingsovereigntywhite-wolfSat, 19 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online devs explain their plans for revamping the sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/eve-online-devs-explain-their-plans-for-revamping-the-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/eve-online-devs-explain-their-plans-for-revamping-the-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/eve-online-devs-explain-their-plans-for-revamping-the-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


EVE Online's sandbox approach to game design is one where where centralized, well-developed clusters of solar systems are controlled by NPC factions while vast, lawless tracts of space can be claimed by the players themselves. This 0.0 space (aka nullsec) contains some of EVE's most valuable resources plus offers complete freedom from the laws imposed in high security NPC space. It's the frontier -- the wild west -- that alliances of EVE's capsuleers clash with one another to control.

For all the freedom to use diplomacy, espionage, and outright warfare to get the most out of 0.0 space, players have long been hindered by the game mechanics of "sovereignty" -- EVE's system of establishing control over territory and reaping the various rewards that come with such control. The changes CCP Games are making to the game with the Dominion winter expansion aren't just about altering a few game mechanics related to territorial control -- they're about changing the rules of the sandbox itself.

Continue reading EVE Online devs explain their plans for revamping the sandbox

MassivelyEVE Online devs explain their plans for revamping the sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesccp-greyscaledev-blogdominionemergent-gameplayeve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsguildsmoonssandboxsci-fisovereigntyterritorial-controlTue, 15 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking the chains of Sovereignty in EVE Online's Dominion expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/breaking-the-chains-of-sovereignty-in-eve-onlines-dominion-expa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/breaking-the-chains-of-sovereignty-in-eve-onlines-dominion-expa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/breaking-the-chains-of-sovereignty-in-eve-onlines-dominion-expa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We recently mentioned that the next expansion for EVE Online is called Dominion, and will focus on revamping the sovereignty game mechanics -- arguably one of the most crucial aspects of the game for the most hardcore players. So why, then, is sovereignty so important to the game's players?

EVE Online is a game where everything takes place in a single setting, the New Eden galaxy comprised of thousands of solar systems. While a large percentage of the game's playerbase remains in high security space controlled by NPC factions, for others it's 0.0 space (aka nullsec) where the real action is. In a nutshell, 0.0 is a lawless frontier where the rarest ores and minerals, the highest bounty NPCs, the most lucrative exploration content (in known space) is found. Of course, these regions are the most hotly contested territories in EVE Online and those resources found within are a driver for the continual conflict that engulfs New Eden.

Continue reading Breaking the chains of Sovereignty in EVE Online's Dominion expansion

MassivelyBreaking the chains of Sovereignty in EVE Online's Dominion expansion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CCP Games has announced their 11th free expansion for EVE Online, called "Dominion." As the name suggests, the winter expansion focuses on territories and player control over them. We're told that the Dominion expansion focuses on conquering and holding space, and will feature a reworking of the sovereignty system of territorial control for player alliances. We don't have any further details on the sovereignty revamp yet, but according to CCP the changes have been made with subscriber feedback in mind, particularly through the player-elected Council of Stellar Management.

Given that CCP Games is tying more of EVE Online's gameplay into the planets of the New Eden galaxy, the next step they're taking with the Trinity graphics engine is to add more detail to these planets (and presumably moons).

Continue reading EVE Online announces Dominion expansion, 'Walking in Stations' renamed Incarna

MassivelyEVE Online announces Dominion expansion, 'Walking in Stations' renamed Incarna originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancesambulationbreakingccp-gamescosmoscouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdominiondust-514epic-mission-arcseve-fanfest-2009eve-onlineexpansionsgame-mechanicsguildsnew-edennovelpiracypiratesplanetssci-fisovereigntythe-burning-lifetrinitywalking-in-stationsMon, 31 Aug 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games reveals new EVE Online console MMO: DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/ccp-games-reveals-new-eve-online-console-mmo-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/ccp-games-reveals-new-eve-online-console-mmo-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/ccp-games-reveals-new-eve-online-console-mmo-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


CCP Games CEO Hilmar Pétursson delivered a keynote presentation at GDC Europe in Cologne today, and unveiled the project their Shanghai studio has worked on for the last three years: DUST 514, a console MMOFPS set in the EVE Online universe.

Massively speculated in the past that CCP's hiring of console developers was in connection with either the EVE Online FPS or the World of Darkness MMO. The timing of the DUST 514 trademark registration led us to believe this would be the game title announced at this week's GDC event.

So then, what is DUST 514?

Continue reading CCP Games reveals new EVE Online console MMO: DUST 514

MassivelyCCP Games reveals new EVE Online console MMO: DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccp-gamescommunitiescommunityconsolesdustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsgdc-europegdc-europe-2009hilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssonloremmo-industrymmofpsnew-titlessci-fisovereigntyTue, 18 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games reveals next major Apocrypha update for EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/ccp-games-reveals-next-major-apocrypha-update-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/ccp-games-reveals-next-major-apocrypha-update-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/ccp-games-reveals-next-major-apocrypha-update-for-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


EVE Online senior producer CCP t0rfifrans just published a dev blog about the next major update to the game, Apocrypha 1.5. This is not a completely new expansion, just a significant update they will release in August before EVE's (as-yet-unnamed) winter expansion. While CCP hasn't released the complete rundown of Apocrypha 1.5's features and changes, they have announced a few highlights:

  • Perhaps the biggest changes in 1.5 will be factional warfare improvements. Beyond responding to the lag issues many players have been reporting with factional warfare, CCP is going to introduce Loyalty Points (LP) for kills and captures, and each militia will have its own LP store where militia players can cash in for items unique to that faction.
  • Several Level 4 epic mission arcs will be introduced, tied to specific races in New Eden. CCP t0rfifrans writes: "These captivating stories deal with moral ambiguity, intrigue, honor, and some people's lack of it. This should come as no surprise to those who know EVE and what we are about. As before with the epic arc that was released with Apocrypha, they provide a deep, interesting story, where your choices influence the outcome."
  • One of the long awaited buffs for Black Ops battleships will arrive: specialized cargo holds. The first use of this system will be to give Black Ops ships fuel bays, but this feature paves the way for similar additions to other ship classes in the future. For instance, some ships may one day be given ammo bays, freeing up valuable cargo space.
  • Rigs will be offered in different sizes, with frigate and cruiser sized rigs introduced to the game. These new small and medium rigs will be cheaper to buy or manufacture, and thus provide a lower cost way for players to trick out their ships.
CCP t0rfifrans also dropped a few hints about the forthcoming winter expansion, which will *not* be Walking in Stations. He writes: "All I can say, is that it is focused on sovereignty and you will not be able to walk in it."

We'll keep our eyes open for more about Apocrypha 1.5 as information becomes available.

MassivelyCCP Games reveals next major Apocrypha update for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaapocrypha-1.5black-opsbreakingccp-gamesccp-t0rfifransdev-blogdev-blogsempyrean-ageepic-mission-arcseveeve-onlinefactional-warfarefuel-bayfuel-baysgame-mechanicsloyalty-pointslpmissionspatchespvprigssci-fisenior-producersovereigntyspecialized-cargo-holdstorfi-frans-olafssonwalking-in-stationsTue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Has EVE's most powerful alliance fallen?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/has-eves-most-powerful-alliance-fallen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/has-eves-most-powerful-alliance-fallen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/has-eves-most-powerful-alliance-fallen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Band of Brothers (renamed KenZoku) was once the most powerful alliance in EVE Online with a stated goal, even here at Massively, to control all of the game's New Eden galaxy. Now, KenZoku has reportedly left the contested, lawless frontier of 0.0 space after months of resisting the combined forces of rival alliances.

One of EVE's in-game journalists, Interstellar Correspondent ISD Clarity Brown, reports from the site of KenZoku's last holdout: "GoonSwarm and their allies deployed a camp on KenZoku's sole remaining outpost last night. A joint force of pilots from Pandemic Legion, GoonSwarm, Morsus Mihi, Razor Alliance and KIA deployed 27 titans around the station in a show of force and gave a demonstration of the sheer power embodied in such a gang."

Titans are the game's most expensive weapons of mass destruction, massive ships capable of unleashing 'Doomsday' area-of-effect attacks that melt fleets caught in the blast. To unleash 27 Doomsday blasts at once is... quite a sight, as the video footage demonstrates.

Continue reading Has EVE's most powerful alliance fallen?

MassivelyHas EVE's most powerful alliance fallen? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0alliance-warfareband-of-brothersbobclarity-brownendgameeveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsgoonfleetgoonswarmisd-clarity-brownkenzokukiamorsus-mihipandemic-legionplayer-politicspoliticspvprazor-alliancesci-fisovereigntytitantitansThu, 18 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wormhole exploration hearkens back to EVE Online's early days]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/wormhole-exploration-hearkens-back-to-eve-onlines-early-days/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/wormhole-exploration-hearkens-back-to-eve-onlines-early-days/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/wormhole-exploration-hearkens-back-to-eve-onlines-early-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


EVE Online's latest Apocrypha expansion has elevated the exploration profession to new heights. The addition of roughly 2500 new and uncharted solar systems, expanding the game's galaxy of New Eden to over 7500 solar systems in total, brings what can honestly be called 'true exploration' to the sci-fi MMO.

Territoriality is a major aspect of EVE and wormholes allow players to emerge in far flung regions of New Eden -- sometimes places they're not supposed to be -- leading to all sorts of unexpected near-death experiences. Players have already reported emerging from wormholes and finding themselves hunted by the local territorial powers (player alliances claiming those regions of the galaxy) or by the NPC authorities, in those cases where players are involved in factional warfare. Some pilots have found themselves deep within enemy faction territory, leading to all kinds of insane chases across the galaxy.

Continue reading Wormhole exploration hearkens back to EVE Online's early days

MassivelyWormhole exploration hearkens back to EVE Online's early days originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccp-gameseveeve-onlineexpansionsfactional-warfaregame-mechanicsnew-edenopinionrewardsriskriskssci-fisovereigntysteven-croopterritorial-controltrue-explorationwarcrywormholewormhole-explorationwormholesThu, 19 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Community Spotlight: LaVista Vista part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/eve-community-spotlight-lavista-vista-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/eve-community-spotlight-lavista-vista-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/eve-community-spotlight-lavista-vista-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The first CSM seemed to have a very difficult job, given that they had to structure their operating guidelines as they went, and of course deal with skepticism from the playerbase. Do you think the situation is different for the CSM now?

Vastly different. A lot of time during CSM1 was spent on administrative stuff which was often inefficient. We now have a structure which works fairly well, even if it leaves some things to be desired. We are yet to reach our max potential, which won't happen for another few CSMs I'm afraid. But CCP has certainly realized that the CSM is a useful concept and is useful for them. I think in the future we will see more tools for the CSM being implemented as Xhagen manages to tie up enough people at the office so that they will commit to doing these things which will benefit the CSM and community. Once we have streamlined ways of doing things, while leaving us room for being creative, there's immense potential for a CSM which will not only work great while people who have experience with being on it, but once an ENTIRELY new set of people take office and start working with this foundation that is built.

Continuity is EXTREMELY important. The idea that an entirely new set of people will take office and there's no real guidelines or continuity gives me nightmares. That's why I think it's important that CCP in the future is even more helpful towards the CSM and that there is more communication. We have build a solid foundation for now. However it's not hard to tear down if people aren't taking responsibility.

Continue reading EVE Community Spotlight: LaVista Vista part 2

MassivelyEVE Community Spotlight: LaVista Vista part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescommunitycouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmeveeve-community-spotlighteve-onlinegame-mechanicslavista-vistalearning-curvelive-eventsnew-player-experiencenpesci-fisovereigntyTue, 03 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games lead economist on social structures in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/ccp-games-lead-economist-on-social-structures-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/ccp-games-lead-economist-on-social-structures-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/ccp-games-lead-economist-on-social-structures-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Phil Elliott from Gamesindustry.biz recently conducted an interview with CCP Games Lead Economist Dr. Eyjólfur Guðmundsson (known as CCP Dr. EyjoG) titled "Star Bucks." While the interview discussed the importance of social structures in EVE Online given the game's single-shard nature and of course the game's economics, he was asked questions about gameplay and some of the core foundations of the game -- namely the freedom to act and the consequences that result (or the perceived lack of consequences).

Dr. EyjoG was asked about the concept of trust in the sandbox game, how some players feel there's not enough reciprocity in terms of consequences for one's actions in EVE. "Should we provide more security, more traceability -- that would help it out, but it's definitely a game design and balance question. For us we see the universe as it is, we don't see that need... at this point at least," Dr. EyjoG responded. The interview also hinted at some of the as-yet unrealized possibilities in the game such as player-requests to tie sovereignty in with rules that govern those regions of controlled territory and what the game might be like years down the line.

MassivelyCCP Games lead economist on social structures in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betrayalccpccp-dr-eyjogccp-gamesconsequenceconsequencescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdr-eyjogeconomisteconomyeveeve-onlineeyjolfur-gudmundssongameplaygamesindustry.bizlead-economistphil-elliottscamscamssci-fisingle-shardsingle-worldsocial-structuressovereigntyterritorial-controltrustSat, 18 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player establishes new profession]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-online-player-establishes-new-profession/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-online-player-establishes-new-profession/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/eve-online-player-establishes-new-profession/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Players in EVE Online pursue a wide variety of professions or careers, but are not locked into any given role at character creation. This flexibility allows a character to change their play style over time, or to capitalize on niches no one else has filled. This is the case with Dylon Xavier, an enterprising Caldari pilot with Ascendant Strategies, Inc.

ISD Magnus Balteus reports that Xavier "has decided to try something different; create a product that is both time and resource consuming to build, and offer it for auction to the alliance that has the funds and space to deploy it." The niche item in this case is an Outpost Platform. When launched, it will create a space station for an alliance that can handle the minimum 20 billion isk bid on his auctions. This substantial pricetag includes a freighter for transporting the Outpost Platform and materials, and turns what is normally a time-consuming collective effort into a (comparatively) rapid-deployment. He's also willing to have Chribba, perhaps EVE's most trusted player, broker the transactions, mitigating the risk involved with such large amounts of currency. With the neverending ebb and flow of territorial control in New Eden, and if alliances continue to express interest in Xavier's venture, he may well have created a new and lucrative profession in EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Online player establishes new profession originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliancesascendant-strategiesccpccp-gamescharonchribbacraftingdylon-xaviereveeve-onlinefreightergame-mechanicsguildsinterstellar-correspondentsisdnew-edennicheoutpostoutpost-platformprofessionsrisksci-fisovereigntyspace-stationterritorial-controlThu, 14 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Results of the Council of Stellar Management meeting with CCP Games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/results-of-the-council-of-stellar-management-meeting-with-ccp-ga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/results-of-the-council-of-stellar-management-meeting-with-ccp-ga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/results-of-the-council-of-stellar-management-meeting-with-ccp-ga/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


CCP Wrangler has just erected quite a wall of text at the EVE Online forums, but this one is definitely worth a read as it concerns the direction of the game. Wrangler's post is essentially the minutes from the first meeting between the player-elected Council of Stellar Management and CCP Games in Reykjavik last month.

CCP Wrangler's post lists the issues that the CSM brought to CCP Games, summarizes delegate views on the issues and CCP's responses to their concerns. The minutes represent three days worth of meetings; highlights include skill queues, Black Ops improvements, alliances and factional warfare, and 0.0 sovereignty issues. Beyond these issues, there's much more listed that covers a wide range of player concerns. Of course there won't be any immediate changes to the game, but the minutes give a fair estimation of how EVE Online may evolve in the months to come.

MassivelyResults of the Council of Stellar Management meeting with CCP Games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceccpccp-gamesccp-wranglercsmdevdev-blogeconomyeveeve-onlinefactional-warfaregame-mechanicsprofessionsrekyjaviksci-fiskillssovereigntyterritorial-controlThu, 10 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Band of Brothers announces 'MAX' strategy in The New York Times]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/the-new-york-times-reveals-new-band-of-brothers-strategy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/the-new-york-times-reveals-new-band-of-brothers-strategy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/the-new-york-times-reveals-new-band-of-brothers-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mainstream media seems to pick up on this odd, new 'MMO-thing' occasionally, but now and again they turn up something interesting. A piece from The New York Times does just that, in an article about one of EVE Online's most powerful alliances -- Band of Brothers (BoB).

The alliance holds a player gathering each year, the most recent of which was a weeklong get-together in Copenhagen for over 150 members of BoB. The alliance's leader, SirMolle (real name: Pär Molén), announced a new direction that Band of Brothers will take in EVE in the coming months, which he calls 'MAX' -- as in 'maximum damage.' MAX, if SirMolle is able to make good on his pledge, will be a different direction for Band of Brothers. Rather than establishing sovereignty over as much of EVE's galaxy as possible, BoB will attempt to lay waste to the vessels, holdings, and power structures of their numerous enemies in New Eden.

Continue reading Band of Brothers announces 'MAX' strategy in The New York Times

MassivelyBand of Brothers announces 'MAX' strategy in The New York Times originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceband-of-brothersbobccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinemaxpvpsir-mollesovereigntystrategyterritorial-controlSun, 29 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST