Title: EVE Forever: How CCP Games and Its Community Are Crafting a Universe Together

In 2023, I highlighted the significance of community in EVE Online during its yearly Fanfest in Reykjavík, Iceland. Fast forward two years to EVE Fanfest 2025, and I realize that those views not only hold true—they’ve deepened. With the launch of innovative titles like EVE Vanguard and EVE Frontier, it’s increasingly clear that the EVE universe is molded not solely by its creators at CCP Games, but also by the players who fill it. EVE doesn’t merely possess a community—it requires it to exist and flourish.

The Indestructible Connection Between CCP and Its Players

While every game reaps rewards from engaged communities, the bond between EVE Online and its players is distinctly mutualistic. CCP Games not only depends on its player base for interaction or income—it counts on them for creativity, insights, and even game development. At this year’s Fanfest, the presentation was rich with evidence of player-led events, enormous battles, and spontaneous gameplay that could only emerge in a sandbox as intricate and player-focused as EVE.

A particularly heartwarming moment occurred when CCP Orca revealed that enduring player organizations—those around for 10 years or more—would be celebrated with the same sword ceremony that CCP employees receive for a decade of service. This meaningful act reinforces the notion that players are not mere customers, but co-creators and custodians of the EVE universe.

The EVE Monument, erected in Reykjavík in 2014, serves as a tangible reminder of this connection. Inscribed with the names of countless players, it becomes a pilgrimage destination during Fanfest and a symbol of the legacy built by the community.

Developers and Players: Together in Unity

As you stroll through the Harpa concert hall during Fanfest, you’ll notice developers chatting with players, responding to inquiries, and exchanging experiences. These interactions aren’t simply promotional activities—CCP developers utilize their in-game aliases, such as CCP Okami or CCP Collins, making them an integral part of the community alongside the players.

CCP further enhances this relationship by integrating players into the developmental journey itself. EVE Vanguard, unveiled in 2023 and earmarked for early access in 2026, has already hosted several interactive sessions with players through the Founder’s Access program. This isn’t just a test phase—it’s a raw, initial iteration of the game, where players are encouraged to break it, test it, and influence its evolution.

During the Vanguard keynote, Game Director Scott Davis recounted an instance where players constructed a staircase to the sky using in-game items—a possible bug, yet one that incited laughter and prompted a new design consideration. “It’s not a bug. It’s a feature!” someone called from the audience, perfectly embodying the spirit of collaborative development that characterizes CCP’s methodology.

The Council of Stellar Management: A Blueprint for Player Advocacy

Perhaps the most revolutionary instance of CCP’s player-focused philosophy is the Council of Stellar Management (CSM). This elected group of players collaborates directly with CCP to offer feedback, pinpoint potential issues, and help shape the future trajectory of EVE Online. Game Design Director Greg Hennessey highlighted the CSM’s essential role in development: “There isn’t any feature that we release, barely, that we don’t at least kind of run past them.”

CCP even flies the CSM to Iceland annually for a five-day conference, covering all expenses. This commitment to player feedback is almost unprecedented in the gaming sector and showcases just how much CCP prizes its community’s perspectives.

EVE Frontier: Open Source and Limitless

Although specifics on EVE Frontier are still limited, what is known is nothing short of groundbreaking: the game will be open source. This allows players to access the game’s code and modify it freely. At a time when most developers closely guard their intellectual property, CCP is openly sharing the keys to the kingdom.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the “EVE Forever” ethos. If CCP were to vanish tomorrow, EVE Frontier could theoretically persist through its community. It’s a daring, unparalleled move towards genuine player ownership and longevity.

Broadening the Universe, Broadening the Community

EVE Online is famously intricate, and its steep learning curve can be daunting. However, CCP is striving to ease the entry threshold and draw in new players through diversification of genres. EVE Vanguard invites FPS enthusiasts into the fold, while EVE Frontier seeks to attract fans of survival games. These fresh titles present various ways to engage with New Eden, potentially appealing to players who may have never contemplated a space MMO.

The recently revealed EVE Online: Legion expansion also introduces Freelance Jobs—missions created by player-run Corporations that anyone can undertake. This system offers a new avenue for players, especially