Eve Online Developer CCP Sparks Backlash With Crypto Blockchain Spin-Off Eve Frontier
Eve Online developer CCP has announced Eve Frontier, a spin-off of the much-loved MMO that adds controversial blockchain and cryptocurrency elements.
CCP describes Eve Frontier as an online space survival game with an open and persistent sandbox that focuses on “self-reliance, tactical and emergent gameplay, and third-party development.” Here’s the official blurb:
On the face of it, Eve Frontier sounds like an exciting alternative to Eve Online that could scratch a hardcore space survival itch, but the inclusion of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology that has sparked a backlash from Eve Online players, some of whom have let CCP know how they feel across social media and subreddits.
CCP explains its use of crypto as supporting player ownership of items, with all transactions between players permitted outside and inside the game. Blockchain tech, CCP says, lets players edit aspects of the game world and server in real-time. CCP insists all this tech is environmentally friendly: “all technology used to develop and operate Eve Frontier has the same energy consumption as Eve Online’s infrastructure.”
Despite these explanations, Eve Online players have reacted in horror at the announcement of Eve Frontier. Its subreddit is packed with complaints, with one player accusing CCP of tarnishing Eve Online.
Another Eve Online player called on CCP to cancel Eve Frontier. “None of us want this crypto slop, this desperate cash grab, this attempt at ‘creating something great,’ WOLFWOLF68 said. “This game where buzzwords seem more important than gameplay.
“We love Eve. That’s why we still play it. None of us, through the memes and the laughs, want Eve to die. This ‘New Frontier’ is not Eve. It's everything bad about Eve, with even worse elements in it.
“It won't work. People wont play this. Blockchain and crypto has its time, and it is passed. Please. I beg of you. Don't destroy this amazing game you have created.”
CCP's X/Twitter post announcing Eve Frontier has sparked similarly
Read more on ign.com
