EVE Online continues to be the most fascinating game that I have no desire to play. This article discusses the high level council/political game (the ‘metagame’) in length, and is a worthy read.
Although I had been interested in EVE and its stalwart community prior to reading about what has come to be known as “gaming’s most destructive battle ever,” it wasn’t until I saw game-maker CCP erect a physical monument in Reykjavik for those lost in battle that I got hooked. That was the first time I had seen any physical commemoration of an in-game event by any game company. This type of recognition of the EVE community is not rare for CCP, though, and emphasizing the devotion of their player base is important to the lifeblood of their product. The monument is not the only physical manifestation of the gaming universe that reflects the passion of the EVE community.
That graphic is pretty much out of date. With all of the changes CCP has made to the new user experience, the number of players fleeing in terror before their trial account expires is down to no more that 97%, with actual space crucifixions down by a solid 2%.
Sounds dangerously close to the ‘Tail wagging the dog’.
Although I know a few players (not from EVE especially but other MMOs) that get more of a kick from stirring up guild hostilities and trolling the forums than actually playing the game.
I guess it’s one of the joys of an open ended sandbox style game that you have to generate your own ‘meaningful’ content cause there’s precious little in the form of traditional gameplay 😉
Also, having now actually read the linked article, and being one of those mutants who has played EVE Online for an extended period of time, it seems to me that talking about politics and the meta game of EVE Online and focusing almost completely on the CSM is like writing about McDonald’s for 3,500 words and really only talking about Filet-o-fish sandwich. I mean yes, it puts in a yeoman’s effort, but there are Big Macs and Happy Meals out there too.
The CSM is interesting, in a student council sort of way, but it really doesn’t have much impact on the actual politics of the game, at least in its official role, except as a focus group for CCP to bounce ideas off of. It is only when CSM members decide to talk out of school that things get interesting politically.
Something that is never brought up whenever the quarterly “EVE online is amazing” talk begins is that EVE online is only the way it is because CCP doubled down again and again and again on it’s mechanics, to the point that players that invest time, and resources to THINK and learn about how to play the game get rewarded.
yes a lot of people try it and drop it, but EVE has a great fanbase that does stuff few MMO’s even try to do. They build ontop of their game, instead of breaking it down and simplifying it for the sake of a broader market. It flies in the face of conventional wisdom right now in the industry, where everything has to be stupefied and cheap. and I’m so happy it’s successful.
CCP is one of the companies I would like to work for. Sadly I think months and months of animating ships would drive me crazy