In the space MMO EVE Online, chaos reigns. And this is exactly what the developers intended, as they hope that the online game remains “fresh” as a result.
Why is there currently chaos in the game? In July, an invasion of the Drifters began, an NPC faction that is embroiled with players in fierce battles.
Additionally, the developer studio CCP Games implemented a chat blackout. All these things have not been well received by the community. Many are upset and criticize this severe intervention by the developers into the sandbox of EVE Online, which is known as the “era of chaos”.
Chaos is sometimes necessary
Why did the developers take this path? An intervention in the game is always challenging. EVE Online is meant to be managed by the players themselves. This is an important aspect for many fans.
However, CCP Games has noticed a stagnation of player numbers for some time, which is very bad for an online game. CCP Games’ CEO Hilmar Pétursson explains: “No one wants the sandbox to turn to cement, hence the sand must be shifted a bit. And we as the managers of the universe must intervene. We want the game to be built and operated by its player base. But now we must step in.”
The intervention has serious consequences for the in-game economy. Monopolies are being broken, industrial giants are being toppled. Everything is being thrown into disarray. But that is exactly the intention. Because this way, there is room for new players who can settle in EVE Online. And new players are important to keep an MMORPG fresh and active.
EVE should develop a life of its own
This system is to be further developed: It has become necessary for CCP Games to intervene in the game through drastic actions. And this will continue in the future. However, not always with manual events like the current invasion of the Drifters.
Eventually, there should be automated processes for this. These could include cosmic disasters or further alien attacks. The game should someday decide for itself when such an event is necessary and initiate it accordingly. Thus, EVE Online, according to the developers, will develop a life of its own and self-regulate. One could almost speak of a consciousness of its own.
How do players react to this? Of course, there are hardcore fans who fundamentally do not want any intervention from the developers in “their” game. These players also voice their complaints loudly.
However, many fans recognize the advantages and understand that it is sometimes necessary to create chaos if one wants to keep an online game fresh and attract new players.
