CCP Games, the company behind Eve Online, is going to make its Carbon Development Platform, including the Carbon Engine, open source. CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson says they want to share their technology to help it last longer and become stronger, similar to how open-source projects like Linux have succeeded.
Pétursson believes that sharing the code will help Eve Online endure, as open sourcing-allows for broader contributions and support from the developer community.
This approach mirrors the success seen with Unreal Engine, whose source code availability has significantly benefited the gaming industry. By making their platform open source, CCP aims to foster a supportive environment where the game’s future can be secured through communal efforts.
The Carbon Development Platform’s release will likely inspire diverse projects, from recreations of Eve Online to entirely new games. Pétursson emphasizes the importance of not limiting the community’s creativity, as open platforms historically lead to innovative developments that surpass initial expectations.
The availability of the source code also facilitates collaboration with academic institutions and community events like game jams, potentially leading to novel contributions to the platform.
The decision to open source comes at a time when many studios are adopting widely used engines like Unreal Engine 5 for new projects. CCP is taking a hybrid approach, continuing to develop Eve Online with the Carbon Engine while using Unreal Engine for their upcoming shooter, Eve Vanguard.
Pétursson notes that the Carbon platform is designed for large-scale spaceship simulations, not first-person shooters, which makes Unreal a better fit for the latter.
Once the Carbon platform is open-sourced, it will no longer be proprietary, effectively transferring ownership to the public. Pétursson explains that this transition increases the platform’s chances of thriving compared to if it remained confined within CCP. The platform will also include blockchain technology components, but their use is optional, allowing developers to choose how they integrate these elements.
Pétursson compares the integration of blockchain technology to the initial skepticism surrounding the use of databases in games. Just as databases proved their value over time, he believes blockchain can offer unique advantages, although it is merely one tool among many. He stresses that technology should be seen as neutral, capable of both positive and negative applications depending on how it is utilized.
Ahead of his Develop:Brighton talk, Pétursson discusses how Eve Online has fostered resilient communities, a subject he feels passionately about. The game’s design, particularly its serious consequences for player actions, has led to strong interpersonal bonds and real-world friendships. He attributes much of this community-building to the game’s mechanics, which create scenarios where players must rely on each other.
Despite the significant role CCP’s design plays in facilitating these connections, Pétursson humbly acknowledges that the true credit lies with the players themselves.
He views the developer’s role as setting the stage for these interactions, whether through a structured theme park-like experience or a more chaotic playground environment. Ultimately, the balance between these elements shapes the player experience, but the community’s spirit and creativity drive the game’s enduring success.
