One thing you may know about the long-time MMO staple, Eve Online, is that it features a unique blend of spaceships, politics, mining, and a player-run economy that may just be unique in video games. One thing you may not know about Eve is exactly how well-organized that community can be in reacting when it feels strongly about something. For instance, developer CCP’s plan to introduce microtransactions has elicited something of a reaction.
A list of 5,257 accounts that players plan to cancel in retaliation has made its way online, which translates to about $1 million of lost revenue for the company. While this is nowhere near the $46 million CCP made off EVE in 2008, it is still significant. Seeing how players already pay an annual subscription cost of 131 euros, which seems downright exorbitant considering the price of the average MMO tends toward zero at the moment, coupled with already huge prices for in-game gear that doesn’t affect gameplay, it seems the community’s fears aren’t entirely unfounded.
The Unique Economy of Eve Online
Eve Online’s economy is one of the most intricate and player-driven systems in the gaming world. Unlike many other MMOs where the economy is largely controlled by the game developers, Eve Online allows players to have a significant impact on the market. Players can engage in various economic activities such as mining, manufacturing, trading, and even piracy. The in-game currency, ISK, is used for all transactions, and its value can fluctuate based on supply and demand, much like a real-world economy.
The introduction of microtransactions threatened to disrupt this delicate balance. Players feared that allowing real-world money to influence the in-game economy would undermine the efforts of those who had spent years building their wealth and influence through in-game activities. This concern was not just about the money but about the integrity of the game itself.
Community Reaction and Player Unity
The Eve Online community is known for its strong sense of unity and organization. When CCP announced the introduction of microtransactions, players quickly mobilized to express their dissatisfaction. Forums, social media, and in-game protests became the platforms for voicing their concerns. The list of 5,257 accounts planning to cancel their subscriptions was a clear message to CCP that the community would not stand for changes that they felt would harm the game.
This level of organization is not new to Eve Online players. The game has seen numerous large-scale player-driven events, such as the famous “Burn Jita” event, where players blockaded a major trade hub to protest changes in the game. These events showcase the community’s ability to come together and make their voices heard, often leading to changes in the game’s development.
The reaction to microtransactions also highlights the importance of player feedback in the development of MMOs. Developers must balance their need for revenue with the desires and expectations of their player base. In the case of Eve Online, the strong reaction from the community forced CCP to reconsider their plans and engage in more open dialogue with players.
In conclusion, Eve Online is more than just a game; it is a complex virtual world with a dedicated and organized community. The reaction to CCP’s plan to introduce microtransactions is a testament to the players’ commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. As MMOs continue to evolve, the relationship between developers and players will remain crucial in shaping the future of these virtual worlds.
Source: Develop
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