CCP, the developers behind the seemingly immortal EVE Online, have one last surprise before we turn the corner into 2018. Spotted by Massively Overpowered, the company is now hiring for “a new and highly ambitious MMORPG.”
It’s been a wild year in gaming, and it was no different for CCP. Their massively multiplayer online space sim and crown jewel still maintains a couple hundred thousand subscribers per month, but the company recently stumbled into an enormous controversy. After pouring years and an immense amount of resources into developing VR content, CCP ended its plan, shuttered more than one branch of the company, and laid off host of employees.
In the meantime, things have been far from perfect regarding EVE. While a respectable and loyal player base remains, the average daily player count is at its lowest in decade, and sweeping changes to integral systems like the currency exchange have players confused and frustrated. EVE has always been among the least-accessible MMORPGs on the market, but adjusting the game to be friendlier for newcomers seems to have only alienated core players without drumming up much enthusiasm. It’s conundrum, but far from a new one—did you ever hear the tragedy of the Star Wars Galaxies NGE?
With so many issues plaguing CCP, it makes sense that they would try to pivot toward a new project as a way of clearing the slate. They certainly know a thing or two about “highly ambitious” MMOs, and with the company in search of a “small, tight-knit team,” it seems likely that they will be exploring a new creative vision instead of expanding upon the EVE universe as we know it. At this point, however, any potential details are pure speculation. 2017 was a rough year for many, CCP included. Hopefully, 2018 will bring better tidings and a new direction for the developers.