CCP Games, the developer behind EVE Online, has provided further insights into its upcoming “survival experience,” Project Awakening, which is set to undergo a playtest soon. Despite its air of mystery and the absence of in-game screenshots, we now have more information about its setting and core concept.
Described as “a single-shard survival experience,” Project Awakening unfolds in a dystopian future where civilization has crumbled under the weight of its own ambitions. Players will navigate a perilous cosmic expanse, battling to endure amidst the remnants of a shattered world and striving to rebuild what has been lost. The game’s universe is touted to evolve dynamically based on player actions and endeavors.
The forthcoming closed playtest, dubbed “Phase 3,” is scheduled to commence on May 21, featuring an “online hackathon” aimed at empowering creative builders to unleash their ingenuity. Participants will receive guides and tools to explore and construct new features and functionalities within the game.
However, there are lingering uncertainties surrounding the underlying technology of Project Awakening. According to recent disclosures, the game is powered by the open-source Carbon Development Platform and Lattice’s MUD, incorporating blockchain technology. While blockchain integration holds promises of a persistent world with limitless creative potential, it also raises concerns, particularly regarding environmental impact and the handling of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The utilization of blockchain technology in gaming remains a contentious topic due to its environmental implications and issues surrounding NFTs. EVE Online players, in particular, have expressed skepticism since CCP’s previous assurance in 2022 that blockchain technology would not be introduced into the game’s primary server, Tranquility. Nonetheless, the statement hinted at potential applications within the broader EVE franchise, emphasizing exploration beyond Tranquility.
While Project Awakening lacks a definitive release date, interested players can sign up for the upcoming playtest to experience its evolving world firsthand.
