The Impact of EVE Online: A New Outlook
As I approached EVE Fanfest 2025, I realized how much I had underestimated the influence of this sci-fi MMO from CCP Games. While I had seen occasional headlines about the game, it seemed to cater to a small but dedicated community. My perception changed after visiting Iceland for the event, where the true meaning of EVE Online and its developer became clear.
A Thriving Community and Expanding Universe
The enthusiasm among attendees was palpable. It was evident that EVE is not just a game; it’s a growing universe with new titles on the horizon. One standout is EVE: Vanguard, an exciting shooter that could attract fresh players. Additionally, Iceland's indie gaming scene is blossoming thanks to EVE Online's success.
The phrase “EVE Forever” echoed throughout Fanfest. This slogan not only energized fans but also hinted at something larger—Eve’s lasting legacy in both gaming culture and its influence on Icelandic developers.
More Than Just One Game
While EVE Online: Legion took center stage at Fanfest, other games were also showcased prominently.On another floor of Harpa concert hall, visitors could try out EVE: Vanguard, an extraction shooter being developed by CCP Games London. In this game, players land on planets to battle AI foes and each other while collecting loot.
Even in its early stages, Vanguard feels polished with powerful weapons that lean into sci-fi themes rather than typical shooter designs. Its unique “Bastion” system encourages players to vie for control over various planets, leading to inevitable conflicts as territories expand.
For those who find conventional MMOs daunting or overly complex, EVE: vanguard offers a more accessible entry point when it launches in 2026. Unlike navigating through dense interfaces or spreadsheets frequently enough associated with EVE Online itself, this new title promises straightforward gameplay while maintaining connections to its predecessor's universe.
The Rise of Indie Gaming in Iceland
Even if you’ve never played an EVE title or have no plans to do so now, you might soon enjoy an indie game from Iceland inspired by CCP’s success story. Much like how CD Projekt Red helped Poland’s gaming industry flourish years ago, CCP has similarly influenced local developers in Iceland.
Halldór Kristjánsson from IGI shared insights about the evolution of Iceland's gaming sector before Fanfest began. Historically small outside notable successes like CCP and Plain Vanilla Games’ QuizUp app; things changed dramatically after Pearl Abyss acquired CCP for $425 million in 2018.
This acquisition sparked many changes—developers left CCP eager to start their own studios while attracting investment interest toward independent projects as well. Nearly seven years later since that acquisition took place; we see promising titles emerging such as kards, a World War II card game; party game No Time To Relax; and survival MMO Pax Dei gaining traction within their respective genres—all showcased during Fanfest 2025!
Exciting New Titles Showcased
I enjoyed playing several upcoming indie games during my time there! As an example:
- Walk Of Life: A comedic life-sim party experience.
- Gang Of Frogs: An engaging roguelite co-op shooter featuring cartoon frogs.
- Island Of winds: A single-player puzzle adventure inspired by Icelandic history.
- Finally there's Dig In, which presents strategic gameplay set during World War I where orders take time rather of being instantaneous!
These games show great potential for breakout success! Walk Of Life could become popular on platforms like Twitch due its fun nature while Dig in appeals strongly towards strategy enthusiasts interested in historical contexts too!
Developers openly acknowledged their connection back towards what made them pursue these projects—their ties with former colleagues at CCP were evident across every studio represented there!
The Legacy of EVE Online
If you're unfamiliar with how deeply woven into gaming culture Eve truly is—it draws thousands annually who attend conventions celebrating everything related! Its impact extends beyond just player engagement—it has shaped entire studios across regions including right here within our very own backyard (Iceland).
At this year’s event spirits ran high regarding future prospects surrounding both existing franchises along side newer ventures alike! However caution remains necessary given unpredictable nature surrounding any creative endeavor today—no project guarantees immediate success regardless if tied closely alongside established IPs or backed financially well enough either way…
Despite uncertainties ahead though one thing stands clear—CCP continues pushing boundaries forward whilst fostering growth amongst local talent paving pathways leading toward brighter horizons ahead even amidst challenges faced elsewhere throughout broader industry landscape overall too…
To sum up? Whether diving deep into complexities found within Eve itself isn’t feasible anytime soon—I’m certain we’ll all feel ripples stemming directly back towards what started here long ago… If ever returning again? Underestimating won’t happen next time around!
