What is EVE Online?

EVE is a persistent world multiplayer online game (MMOG) set in space. Players are spaceship pilots seeking fortune and adventure in an exciting - and sometimes hostile - galaxy.

What does "massively multiplayer" mean?

The term "massively multiplayer" describes a relatively new form of computer game that has gained popularity in the last decade. Players connect to the game servers via the Internet and interact in real time with other users worldwide.

In the case of EVE, a nominal monthly subscription is charged for each account; users are responsible for their own Internet service fees. EVE is not a stand-alone, single player game and can only be played online. Unlike most MMOG’s that host approximately 3,000 users per game world, EVE is unique in that all players inhabit the same game world.

What does the term "persistent world" mean?

All games in the MMOG genre are created to be "persistent worlds." This means that unlike single player games - where the action screeches to a halt when the user has turned it off - the game world will keep evolving even when a player has gone offline, much the same way as the real world continues to evolve when you go to sleep. The game world, and anything the player may have left in it, such as undocked ships, will continue to exist and will be visible to (and possibly destroyed by) other players.

In a nutshell, EVE can be described as an alternate reality, similar in many ways to virtual reality as depicted in, for example, the film "The Matrix." The only difference between the Matrix and EVE is that instead of accessing the world through a neural jack, it is accessed through the Internet and participants interact with it via a computer.

How is it possible to connect all the players together in one world?

The game client, including graphics and sound, is distributed and sold like any other game. To be able to play EVE, however, players must connect their client to the game world through the Internet. The game world is based on a network of servers in London maintained by CCP, handling all interactions between the world and the players. When players log into the game, they instantly become a part of the same game world as all other players that are logged on at that time.

How is my persona represented in the game?

Players are represented in the game by avatars, both as ships and with a customized portrait created by the player. It is not possible to exit your ship and explore planets or space stations. Each EVE Online account contains three character slots, giving users ample opportunity to try out different skills, races and appearances.

How do I save the game so I don’t have to start all over again the next time I want to play?

Unlike single-player games where all the information about your characters, actions and the game world itself are stored on your hard drive or accessed with a disk, most of the information about your characters and belongings in EVE are stored on the servers owned by CCP.

These game servers will keep track of the players while they are connected to the game, tracking all interactions between the players, such as trade and combat, as well as your character’s inventories and progress. It is not necessary for you to have the EVE disk in your computer when you wish to play; however, EVE must be installed on any computer you use to play the game.

Can I let my friend play one of my characters while I play another one on the same account?

No, you won't be able to do that. Since users connect to the game using a unique username and password, it is possible to install and play EVE on multiple computers, though you can only log in one character per account at a time.

The game was released in May 2003, so if I start now, won’t all the other players be far more advanced than my characters?

New players have joined EVE each day since it’s release, so you won’t be alone as you enter the EVE galaxy for the first time. Even players who have been playing since the beginning like to experiment with new characters, too, so not every "newbie" (a term used to describe new players in a game) will actually be a brand-new player.

Though there are certainly some players who have already amassed a great deal of wealth and equipment, this will not affect your ability to advance in the game competitively. There are starting areas for new players where you will be safe until you have gained enough skill and experience to venture out into the wilder, more aggressive areas of space.

Is the game continuously updated with new content?

Yes, the game frequently updated with patches that introduce new content, address balancing issues or resolve the occasional bug that might rear its ugly head, as happens with all computer software. When these patches are available, they will be automatically installed on your computer when you start the EVE client.

What is basic game play like?

The diversity and flexibility of EVE makes it difficult to categorize it by conventional standards. What it is depends on the level at which it is played.

The game is set in an unknown portion of space, spanning thousands of solar systems, many of which are settled. Players begin by creating an in-game character equipped with a basic spaceship ready to explore the world. As they get acquainted with life in EVE, players can trade goods between systems or conduct other money-making ventures such as mining asteroids, transporting goods as a courier or even cleaning up debris for recycling. Financial gains made through such activities can be used to upgrade the ship with weapons and equipment and also to develop the character by purchasing skill packs used for training him in various skills he will need to advance in the world of EVE.

When a player has mastered the basics of the game, aquired some money and equipment and advanced his or her character through basic skills, the possibilities become almost endless. Players who wish to explore peaceful paths may continue to upgrade their ships to bigger and better cargo vessels with high-end defenses, purchase advanced mining or research equipment and continue to develop their characters by specializing in their preferred skills. Others may elect to pursue a more dangerous path such as piracy, smuggling or bounty hunting.

How does the massively multiplayer aspect of the EVE affect game play?

The basic role-playing and space simulation aspects of EVE are really just the tip of the iceberg. When players band together to form factions and alliances, the game progresses to a more grand-scale strategic level. Political intrigue, corporate espionage and the very essence of Darwinism bring dimension and depth to the game as the struggle for fame and fortune ebbs and flows with each new day in EVE.

However, the level at which each player decides to participate is a matter of personal choice. The game leaves ample room for continual progress and variety in all its solo playing aspects. For those who opt to do so, becoming the best lone-wolf pirate or bounty hunter is a never-ending task as the competitors are other human players who will employ every method at their disposal to gain an edge over the rest. Solo players are also able to hire out their services as mercenaries or hit men to other players or player-run corporations.

The bottom line is that we at CCP have strived to create a rich and immersive universe centered on human interaction. Players can play the game as a simple space trading game or endeavor to control the largest, most powerful company in the universe. We provide the rules and tools, but it is the players themselves who create the adventures.

What is the interface like?

The ship control panel offers an easy point-and-click interface for managing your ship speed, defensive and offensive modules, power and other fittings.

The NeoCom provides access to features you’ll be using often during gameplay, such as your character sheet, in-game e-mail, map, wallet and much more.

The fully interactive map makes navigating the large galaxy much easier, allowing you the opportunity to set a course avoiding - or seeking out - hostile regions of space or to find the shortest route for speedier travel.

Communication between players is done through an IRC-style chat interface. Players can create their own channels for private conversations or join one of the many public channels available.

What are the system requirements?

Minimal hardware:
CPU: PIII - 450 MHZ or higher
RAM Memory: 128MB (256MB for 2000/XP)
Hard Drive Capacity: 1 GB
Connection: 56k modem or faster

Operating System:
Win98 SE
Windows 2000
Millennium, WinXP
Please note that Windows 95 and NT are not supported.
DirectX 9.0 or later

Video cards:
GeForce 2 or better, ATI Radeon 7200 or better, Matrox Parhelia.
To check whether your card meets these requirements check with your card manufacturer:
NVIDIA GeForce cards
ATI cards
Matrox Parhelia

The minimum screen resolution for EVE is 1024x768.
Audio hardware must be Direct Sound compatible. For optimum performance, use latest drivers available.

Recommended system for optimal performance:
Processor: P4 1GHz+
RAM Memory: 256MB or higher
3D Accelerator: 64MB or higher video card