In an exciting development for gaming enthusiasts, CCP Games the renowned studio behind Eve Online, is preparing for a series of playtests for their upcoming blockchain game, Project Awakening. Set within the expansive Eve Online universe, Project Awakening promises to offer players a next-generation gaming experience with its innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive storytelling.

Scheduled to kick off during 2024, CCP Games has announced multiple playtests for Project Awakening, with the upcoming tests, dubbed Phase III, set to commence on May 21st. Approximately 5,000 participants will have the opportunity to dive into a level of the game for six weeks, providing invaluable feedback to CCP Games as they fine-tune their latest creation.

CCP Games Announces Playtests for Project Awakening

$40 Million in Funding

CCP Games, the creators of the popular sci-fi MMO EVE Online, recently secured $40 million in funding to expand its R&D capabilities and develop their AAA title leveraging blockchain technology, set within the EVE Universe. Blockchain gaming aficionados are abuzz with excitement as CCP Games, the renowned developer behind the massively popular EVE Online, has unveiled fresh details about its upcoming web3 game, Project Awakening.

"Players will have a new series of tools at their disposal to add their own features and functionality to the experience, a new way of leaving their mark on the world. If you are a builder and want to be a part of this journey, then apply to PHASE III and join this new extension of the EVE Universe," said CCP Games CEO, Hilmar Veigar Pétursson.

CCP Games EVE Online

What is Project Awakening?

At its core, Project Awakening is designed to empower players, emphasizing freedom, consequence, and mastery within a dynamic and evolving universe. Unlike traditional gaming experiences, Project Awakening offers a single-shard survival experience, plunging players into the dark expanse of space where civilization has crumbled under the weight of its own ambitions.

As players navigate this hostile cosmos, they must battle for survival amidst the remnants of a shattered world, exploring unknown territories and rebuilding civilization from the ground up. With a backdrop of three spinning black holes presenting a unique "three-body problem" Project Awakening promises to deliver a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating gameplay experience.

Early World Art Teaser

Graphics and Gameplay

While Project Awakening currently utilizes assets from Eve Online as a foundation, CCP Games assures players that the game will evolve to possess its own distinct identity and graphical richness. CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson envisions Project Awakening not merely as an extraction shooter, but as a sandbox shooter that leverages the existing sandbox of Eve Online, fostering economic and social connections among players.

CCP Games CEO, Hilmar Veigar Pétursson

Drawing inspiration from player feedback and the passionate community surrounding Eve Online, CCP Games is committed to crafting a gaming experience that transcends traditional boundaries, offering players unprecedented creative freedom and agency within the game world. CCP Games CEO, Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, expressed enthusiasm about the latest news stating:

“We have been co-developing games with players for over 20 years: by making the Carbon Development Platform open source we are now taking the next step in this journey. Our vision is to open up game development to everyone. Whether you are a player, a developer, or a programmer, we want to empower you in building virtual worlds. As part of this, we are excited to reveal the first details about Project Awakening, which embodies this philosophy." 

Partnerships and Playtest

Powered by the Carbon Development Platform and MUD by Lattice, Project Awakening represents CCP Games' foray into the realm of blockchain technology, paving the way for a persistent world bound by digital physics. Through the integration of blockchain technology and cryptography, players will have the opportunity to build, collaborate, and innovate within the emergent game environment, unlocking boundless possibilities for third-party development.

Early World Art Teaser

“We’re excited to bring the Carbon Development Platform to our creative community, allowing them to harness the power of the Carbon game engine. We look forward to sharing more details and insight on how the public will be able to access Carbon in the future," said CCP Games Senior Development Director, Ben Hunter.

As part of the upcoming playtest in May, CCP Games will host an online hackathon, inviting builders to showcase their ideas and innovations for Project Awakening. Winning teams will even have the chance to visit the studio headquarters in Iceland, underscoring CCP Games' commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive gaming community.

“We are proud to reveal our partnership with CCP Games. Integrating MUD with Project Awakening will enable the creation of an autonomous world bound by digital physics. A universe where actions have consequences, which exists on rules as concrete as our own reality," said Lattice CEO, Justin Gilbert.

CCP Games EVE Online

Looking Ahead

While Project Awakening is still in the midst of development, CCP Games remains dedicated to refining and expanding upon its ambitious vision for the game. With additional playtests planned for September and December, CCP Games aims to gather valuable insights and feedback from players, informing their decisions as they work towards a future launch date.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Project Awakening stands as a testament to CCP Games' unwavering commitment to innovation and player-driven experiences. For more information on Project Awakening and to apply to PHASE III, visit the official website.