An upcoming “survival experience” from the creators of Eve Online has released its first trailer, showcasing spaceships in stunning stellar environments. Previously known as Project Awakening, Eve Frontier is set in a distant sector of the Eve universe. The developers describe it as “a sandbox focusing on self-reliance, skill-based tactical gameplay, and third-party development”. Wait, third-party development? Oh, it seems to involve blockchain cryptocurrency elements. Interesting.
The game has been in development since its announcement last year and underwent a closed beta test a few months ago. This trailer marks its official naming as “Eve Frontier”. CCP developers stated in a press release, “In creating EVE Frontier, we aimed to introduce a new genre of survival game, testing not only players’ individual survival but also the survival of civilization within a sandbox simulation.”
While the survival concept sounds intriguing, the inclusion of blockchain technology in the game raises concerns. Terms like “L2 Blockchain”, “ERC-20 tokens”, and “Smart Assemblies” for in-game building mechanics hint at a complex system involving cryptocurrency transactions.
Players can convert their assets, services, and reputation into real-world value through the in-game economy and currencies, following the “play-to-earn” model within the EVE universe. However, the heavy focus on blockchain elements may deter some players.
The press release delves into technical details about using Solidity for smart contracts and decentralized applications, adding another layer of complexity to the gameplay. This direction may alienate some players who prefer a more straightforward gaming experience.
Unlike the established virtual economy of Eve Online, Eve Frontier’s integration of blockchain technology raises questions about its long-term sustainability and appeal. The potential for real-world financial investments in the game may not resonate with all players.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding its concept, Eve Frontier presents a unique take on survival gaming within the Eve universe. Whether it will succeed or face challenges similar to previous projects remains to be seen.
