CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson Talks About the Future of Blockchain Gaming
Eve Online players are known for their dedication and passion for the game. Over the years, they have created an expansive universe filled with epic battles and intricate lore. CCP Games, the studio behind Eve Online, has recognized the importance of player-driven development and has embraced it to a certain extent by providing access to data through APIs. However, CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson believes that there is a better way to empower players and developers.
Embracing Decentralization in a Centralized Game
Eve Online was built as a traditional online game by a centralized studio. While CCP Games has made efforts to give players access to data and tools, Pétursson acknowledges that there are limitations to this approach. He questions whether there is a better way to create a game that is programmable by default.
Pétursson first became interested in blockchain gaming nearly a decade ago, but at the time, he believed that it would take several years for a “killer app” to emerge in this niche space. However, he kept an eye on the developments in crypto gaming and saw the potential for innovation.
One game in particular, Dark Forest, caught his attention. It was an experimental Ethereum strategy game that fully embraced blockchain technology. This game inspired Pétursson to explore the possibilities of creating a similar experience within the Eve Online universe.
Introducing Project Awakening
Project Awakening is CCP Games’ first blockchain game set in the Eve Online universe. Unlike Eve Online, which is a massive multiplayer online (MMO) game, Project Awakening is more focused on survival and collaboration. The game will be developed by CCP Games, but the community will play a crucial role in shaping the experience.
In Project Awakening, players will need to band together to survive in an unforgiving world. They will have to develop coordination tools and infrastructure to navigate the challenges they face. While programming skills may be useful, Pétursson emphasizes that not all of the tools require programming knowledge. Some tools will be more like composable pieces that players can use to build their survival strategies.
Blockchain Technology in Project Awakening
Project Awakening will utilize blockchain technology to enable player-driven development and create an immersive gaming experience. Pétursson hints that the game’s architecture will be different from traditional games, with some elements being represented on-chain.
Player-created content, or “user-generated logic,” will be stored on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing players to express themselves and shape the game world. Additionally, Project Awakening will feature on-chain crypto tokens, which Pétursson prefers to call digital currencies rather than tokens. These currencies can be traded within the game and potentially even participate in international trade.
The Future of Project Awakening
While Project Awakening is still in development, CCP Games has been conducting playtests to gather feedback and refine the game mechanics. Pétursson is excited about the results of these playtests, as players have already demonstrated their creativity and ingenuity by developing on-chain tools and systems.
The Phase III closed playtest for Project Awakening is scheduled for May 21st and will involve more players. Pétursson expects to be amazed by the ideas and innovations that emerge from this playtest, bringing CCP Games closer to realizing the full potential of Project Awakening.
Hot Take: The Future of Blockchain Gaming Looks Promising
The development of Project Awakening by CCP Games is a significant step forward for the blockchain gaming industry. By embracing decentralization and player-driven development, CCP Games is creating a new kind of gaming experience that empowers players and fosters collaboration.
The use of blockchain technology in Project Awakening opens up exciting possibilities for in-game economies and player interactions. The ability to create and trade on-chain crypto tokens gives players more control over their virtual assets and introduces new opportunities for economic growth within the game world.
As more developers explore the potential of blockchain gaming, we can expect to see innovative and immersive experiences that blur the line between the virtual and real worlds. The future of blockchain gaming looks promising, and projects like Project Awakening are leading the way towards a decentralized and player-centric gaming industry.
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