CCP Games Appoints New Head of Economy for Eve Frontier
CCP Games, the studio behind the iconic game Eve Online, has announced the hiring of Stefán Þórarinsson, a former economist from the Central Bank of Iceland, as its new Head of Economy. Þórarinsson will be responsible for conducting “experiments” aimed at fine-tuning the in-game economy of the forthcoming blockchain-based survival game, Eve Frontier, striving to create an optimal player-centric financial system.
Bridging Real and Virtual Economies
Þórarinsson asserts that there are few fundamental differences between managing real-world economies and their virtual counterparts. However, he acknowledges the significant challenge posed by the scarcity of research and data specific to virtual economies, particularly those that leverage blockchain technology.
Initial Experiment Focused on Data Collection
His first experiment will involve meticulous observation and documentation of Eve Frontier’s economy while the game remains in a closed alpha phase, which currently has a limited number of players. Built on the Ethereum blockchain within the Redstone network—designed for gaming and autonomous worlds using Optimism layer-2 scaling—Eve Frontier aims to enhance its economic framework.
Mapping Economic Changes
“We aim to analyze the pricing mechanisms, so we can predict outcomes following any changes,” Þórarinsson shared with Decrypt. “Gathering data on how monetary policy influences the economy of Frontier is crucial, ideally leading us to identify demand and supply curves. We require extensive data.”
Future Experiments Dependent on Initial Findings
He elaborated that subsequent experiments will hinge on the findings from this initial phase. “Our objective is to deepen our understanding of the closed economic system before we decide to open it later in development, which will provide us with additional insights.” The term “closed economy” refers to the fact that the game currently does not feature a token exchangeable for real-world currencies, a crucial factor as the stakes rise once this option becomes available.
Structured Development Cycles Ahead
Following this preliminary experiment, the game will progress through a series of 60-day cycles where new gameplay elements and economic features will be introduced, furthering what CCP Games CEO Hilmar Pétursson terms the “grand experiment.” The goal is to establish a straightforward yet adaptable player-driven economy.
Survival and Player Interaction in Eve Frontier
As a survival game, Eve Frontier’s early economic development is centered around players navigating the harsh environment created by CCP Games. Once players acclimate to surviving in this challenging world—described by Pétursson as “literally trying to kill you”—they will then face the necessity to defend themselves against other players, thus fostering new economic interactions.
Empowering Players to Shape the Economy
Ultimately, Eve Frontier aspires to empower players to determine the future direction of the game’s economy. “The economy will eventually develop independently, ideally reaching a point where Stefán and I are no longer needed,” Pétursson stated. “The world will have become self-sustaining, with its society taking over all economic roles.”
Player-Created Missions and Economic Development
Players will have the ability to craft custom missions and bounties through smart contracts written in the Ethereum programming language, Solidity. This feature can assist players in acquiring in-game resources that may be difficult for them to obtain otherwise. At a more advanced level, players could initiate the groundwork for a new economic structure, reducing the need for CCP Games to oversee the game’s growth.
A Transparent Environment for Player Innovation
Þórarinsson emphasized the importance of providing a transparent environment that allows players to showcase their capabilities. “It’s a player-driven virtual world, and that’s the vision we aim to realize.”
Upcoming Token Launch and Future Prospects
Pétursson anticipates that the game’s economy will be opened to the public within the next few quarters, suggesting that a token release could happen during this timeframe. However, he acknowledges it will take years before CCP Games can take a completely hands-off approach, allowing Eve Frontier to maintain a fully autonomous economy supported by smart contracts.
Transformative Potential of Eve Frontier
“This is truly a game-changer—not just for gaming, but for the broader world,” Pétursson remarked, referencing the innovative application of smart contracts in Eve Frontier. He drew parallels to how advancements in AI and graphics processing units (GPUs) in gaming have been adopted across various industries. “Games often lead the way in innovation, setting trends for the rest of the world,” he concluded.
