CCP Games has just announced a new game called Eve Frontier. This space survival game takes place in the Eve Online universe and features blockchain technology.

Previously known as Project Awakening, Eve Frontier focuses more on survival. Players will be able to use crypto tokens and blockchain code to shape their gaming experience in exciting ways.

Details are still limited, but with a well-known studio behind it, many are hopeful that Eve Frontier could be one of the first major AAA blockchain games. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Eve Frontier?

Eve Frontier is an upcoming video game from CCP Games, the studio famous for the long-running online space simulator Eve Online.

This new game is described as a space survival simulation. Players wake up as the last remnants of humanity in a dangerous world filled with drone swarms and other survivors fighting for resources. To survive, players will need to work together and create resources.

As CCP Games founder Hilmar Veigar Pétursson put it, “In the beginning, the world is like a massive beast to be tamed. It's angry, it's primal, it's evil—and it's out to get you.”

So far, no gameplay has been shown, and we don’t know much about what players will actually do. However, it’s safe to assume that piloting a spaceship will be part of the experience.

In 2023, CCP Games raised $40 million to support its blockchain gaming goals. Pétursso has been involved in the crypto space for years, discussing the future of blockchain gaming back in 2020.

Is it the same as Eve Online?

If you’ve heard of Eve, it’s likely because of Eve Online, a massive MMO that has been around for over 20 years.

Eve Online is known for its complexity and a dedicated community. Players can dive into politics, space wars, capitalism, and even accounting.

However, Eve Frontier is not the same game as Eve Online. It’s a completely different experience. While it shares the franchise name and some lore, it won’t be linked to the main MMO.

Some speculate that Frontier might eventually replace Eve Online, but until we see more of the game, it’s hard to say.

How is crypto involved?

CCP has made it clear that while Eve Frontier uses blockchain technology, it’s not just a “blockchain game.” They want to create a game first and foremost, not just a platform for token sales.

There will be crypto tokens, including the Eve Token, which will serve as a utility token. CCP has stated that players won’t be restricted from making transactions outside the game.

The most interesting aspect is the community creation features. Eve Frontier will allow players to develop new experiences and features, potentially including their own crypto tokens.

CCP aims to provide tools that let the community shape the game over the years. This means the game could change significantly based on player contributions.

CCP calls its blockchain approach “Smart Assemblies.” This allows players to create features through smart contracts or other integrations within Eve Frontier.

Players can build infrastructure like storage facilities, trading posts, and defenses. It’s like enhanced base-building. Each structure will have a programmable layer, allowing for greater customization and player expression.

For example, a Smart Storage Unit (SSU) is a structure anchored in space that acts as smart storage, holding and dispensing any inventory players choose to load it with.

With Smart Assemblies, this structure can be programmed to serve as a marketplace, a quest giver, or even an arcade machine.

What is Eve Frontier built on?

Eve Frontier is built on Ethereum, which is a strong choice for a game of this scale. It has many scaling networks and supports numerous prominent crypto tokens.

The in-game crypto tokens will follow the ERC-20 token standard. The game itself is being developed on Redstone, an Ethereum layer-2 network designed specifically for autonomous game worlds.

CCP is using its Carbon engine for game development, which they plan to open source in the future. There’s also MUD, an on-chain engine developed alongside Redstone.

When is Eve Frontier coming out?

Currently, there’s no set release date for Eve Frontier. However, a playtest will begin on September 27. You can sign up on the official website for a chance to participate.

The reveal trailer also mentioned that “founder access” will be available soon on PC and Mac, but details on how to access this are still unclear.