HardwareFreaks

Tag: EVE Online

  • EVE Online studio Fenris follows through on yearslong promise to make its in-house game engine fully open source

    Featured image EVE Online studio Fenris follows through on yearslong promise to make its inhouse game engine fully open source

    In a move that signals a shift toward collaborative, transparent game development, Fenris Creations has officially completed the full open source release of its proprietary Carbon Engine. This engine is the foundational technology behind the immensely popular MMO EVE Online and the survival space sandbox, EVE Frontier.

    The decision to open-source this core technology is anything but small; it’s a powerful statement in an industry increasingly defined by proprietary systems. While many major studios have pivoted toward alternatives like the Unreal Engine, Fenris has demonstrated remarkable consistency in prioritizing open, customizable computing for its projects.

    This commitment aligns with a broader trend where developers are exploring ways to democratize access to complex tools. The availability of the Carbon Engine repositories on GitHub”>GitHub means that the building blocks for these vast space simulations are now accessible to the entire community.

    Fenris’s vision for its games was ambitious, and they have successfully delivered on those promises. When the studio first presented EVE Frontier at recent showcases, they outlined a path toward action-oriented gameplay, unique server-side modding capabilities, and an open development environment. Less than two years later, those goals have materialized.

    The results speak for themselves: the survival game Frontier now features exciting dogfighting mechanics, boasting a thriving mod scene where players are actively building entire games within the space survival sandbox. This level of community engagement underscores the power of giving developers control over their tools.

    This openness about technology mirrors the evolving landscape of game development. Even giants like CD Projekt have moved away from maintaining strictly in-house proprietary engines, embracing powerful alternatives to foster greater flexibility and shared innovation.

    Fenris is not resting on this achievement. While the community watches for the evolution of Frontier, the studio continues to push boundaries with other ambitious projects. They are currently developing EVE Vanguard, an MMO-extraction FPS built using the powerful Unreal Engine, showcasing their versatility across different technological platforms.

    Meanwhile, EVE Online remains a colossal touchstone for online social and tactical combat. From massive player economies to rare drops—like those nearly unheard-of USD7,000 ships emerging from free loot boxes—the universe of EVE continues to offer endless, unpredictable adventures.

    Fenris Creations’ journey proves that when developers prioritize transparency and community access, they unlock a level of creative potential that transcends proprietary limitations. The open source release of the Carbon Engine is more than just code; it’s an invitation to build the future of space simulation together.

    Credit: PC Gamer

  • Discussion time: Most big MMOs are seasonal now—do you prefer it that way, or do you loathe the FOMO checklist?

    The world of Massively Multiplayer Online games is constantly evolving, but one trend that has recently caught the attention of many players is the slow, steady drift toward seasonal structures. From Final Fantasy XIV‘s named seasons to World of Warcraft‘s Mythic+ cycles and The Elder Scrolls Online‘s dedicated seasonal model, games are increasingly adopting this temporal framework.

    This shift isn’t just about naming conventions; it reflects a desire for structured progression. There are undeniable advantages to this system. By implementing periodic resets or power grinds that span an entire expansion, developers create an easy mechanism to reset the treadmill and put players back on a level playing field. This method is smart because it alleviates the frustration of falling behind, offering a routine to reset the game state.

    Furthermore, seasonal models combat the dreaded content drought—the cruel reality that many games require monthly subscriptions to keep players engaged. By introducing defined cycles, studios gain an easy excuse to return and invest time into their worlds, reducing the pressure of continuous, unrewarding grinding.

    However, this structure isn’t without its shadows. The seasonal approach comes with significant downsides, particularly concerning permanent progression. When gear or rewards are tied to a specific season, they tend to depreciate quickly. If a player misses a key reward, it may be gone or significantly harder to obtain as the system shifts.

    The core frustration lies in the finite nature of seasonal zones and objectives. Studios invest significant effort into areas that are designed to be relevant for a season, meaning there is little lasting incentive for players who are purely gear-motivated to linger once the heat dies down.

    Contrast this with alternative MMO models that prioritize expansive freedom over cyclical demands. Sandbox games like Old School RuneScape or EVE Online, and titles like Project Gorgon, focus less on seasonal metrics and more on offering a broad ocean of content for players to explore and engage with.

    These sandbox approaches champion permanent progress. Without resets or constantly moving goalposts, your accomplishments remain yours. You can set your own objectives, and your journey remains a tangible part of the game world, regardless of the current season.

    A hybrid approach also exists, exemplified by games like Guild Wars 2, which still offer large zones during major patches but maintain horizontal progression that removes the necessity of constantly chasing seasonal milestones. The choice, then, is for the player.

    So, as you navigate this vast digital landscape, the question remains: Is the seasonal treadmill a helpful concession to limited personal time, or is it simply a pressure cooker leading to seasonal weariness? Whether you prefer structured cycles or open-ended freedom, the preference ultimately rests with the player.

    Credit: PC Gamer