On July 1, Fenris Creations, previously known as CCP, marked a significant milestone by fully releasing its in-house Carbon Engine as open source. This engine serves as the backbone for the long-standing MMO EVE Online and the early access space survival game EVE Frontier. The repositories for the Carbon Engine are now accessible on GitHub, inviting developers and enthusiasts alike to explore its capabilities.
Shifting Paradigms in Game Development
This bold move comes as a refreshing surprise in an industry where proprietary game engines are becoming increasingly prevalent. Many studios, once celebrated for their unique in-house technologies, have shifted towards established engines like Unreal. Notably, CD Projekt, known for its Red Engine, has also embraced this trend, especially with the recent unveiling of Unreal Engine 6.
While both EVE Online and EVE Frontier are built on the Carbon Engine, Fenris is also venturing into new territory with its FPS project, Vanguard, which is being developed using Unreal. This diversification highlights the studio’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
During the PC Gaming Show, Fenris unveiled an ambitious vision for EVE Frontier, promising a more action-oriented gameplay experience compared to its predecessor, EVE Online. This vision included innovative server-side modding support and the open-sourcing of the Carbon Engine. Less than two years later, Fenris has successfully delivered on these commitments: EVE Frontier now features dynamic dogfighting mechanics, an engaging modding community, and the much-anticipated open-source release of the Carbon Engine.
This last development is particularly uplifting, especially in an era where technology and computing are increasingly leaning towards closed systems. The Steam Machine was recently described as “iconoclastic” for its dedication to open, customizable computing, and Fenris appears to be following a similar path, championing openness in game development.
Meanwhile, EVE Vanguard continues to carve out its niche in the MMO-extraction FPS genre, while EVE Online remains a vibrant hub for MMO enthusiasts. Recently, a new player experienced an extraordinary stroke of luck, receiving a one-in-a-million drop that set them up for life in the game, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the EVE universe.
