CCP Games, the developer and publisher of sci-fi space voyage MMO EVE Online, has just announced that it is working on a spin-off video game that will utilize blockchain technology. Securing funding from partners outside the company, CCP Games is looking to build a AAA title that is also set in the EVE Online universe.Many fans will likely recall that EVE Online was launched back in 2003, making 2023 its 20th year in the industry. Despite its age, the MMO continues to thrive, with the development team seeming to be very in-touch with its player base and community. What's more, constant news is shared by the team, whether it's deep dives into new content through official channels or bigger game updates like EVE Online expansions. However, the new title announcement does have blockchain technology attached to it, which may influence a gamer's decision in playing the game, even if they are avid fans.CCP Games made the announcement on Twitter that a new spin-off title set in the EVE Online universe is going to be developed by the company. CCP Games revealed in the same announcement that it has received funding of $40 million through venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The company also created an official micro-site for the project, which will likely host updates for the upcoming video game. However, as of writing, only quotes from the developers' partners and simple details about the project have been shared through an official press release.
According to the press release, the main features of the upcoming EVE Online spin-off game's system will be developed on-chain. The company's utilization of blockchain technology seems to be focused on the way it is able to create new connections between virtual worlds and its users. With EVE Online heavily reliant on player autonomy within its server and the development team probably eager to explore new technology to bring interesting experiences to its fan base, it is not surprising for CCP Games to consider what on-chain gaming has to offer.
Fans will likely remember that CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson said back in 2021 that NFTs and blockchain technology would not be coming to EVE Online anytime soon. However, with the kind of funding the company is receiving from one of the largest venture capital firms in the world, the developer likely wanted to give the technology a try. Fortunately, for those apprehensive about NFTs and blockchain, the new AAA title's production will be a completely separate project from the company's current ones, including EVE Online.
EVE Online is available now for PC.