TL;DR
Fenris Creations has made the Carbon engine used in EVE Online open source. The move aims to foster community development and innovation. The company provided reasons for the release, but some details remain unclear.
Fenris Creations has officially released the source code of EVE Online’s Carbon engine as open source, marking a significant shift in how the game’s underlying technology is shared with the community. The company stated that the move aims to encourage innovation, community contributions, and transparency, which could influence future development of the game and similar projects.
According to Fenris Creations, the Carbon engine powers EVE Online’s core gameplay and infrastructure. The company announced the open source release via their official channels on March 2024, emphasizing their desire to foster collaboration among developers and fans. The decision was motivated by a belief that open sourcing the engine could lead to new tools, mods, and improvements, benefiting both the community and the company’s long-term vision. Fenris Creations clarified that the release includes the engine’s source code but does not include proprietary assets or certain licensed components. The company also mentioned that they will continue to support the game while encouraging community-driven development efforts.While the announcement has been welcomed by many in the gaming and developer communities, Fenris Creations did not specify whether this move is part of a broader open source strategy or a response to specific industry trends. The company also stated that they will provide documentation and support channels to help developers get started with the code, though detailed plans and timelines remain to be announced.
Implications for EVE Online and Developer Community
This open source release could significantly impact EVE Online’s development ecosystem, allowing third-party developers to create tools, mods, and enhancements. It also sets a precedent for transparency and community involvement in the game’s future. For players, this could mean more innovative features and a more active modding scene. Industry observers see this as a potential shift toward more open collaboration models in online gaming, which could influence other developers to follow suit. However, the move also raises questions about intellectual property management and ongoing support for the proprietary aspects of the game.
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Background on EVE Online’s Engine and Open Source Trends
EVE Online, developed by CCP Games, has used the Carbon engine as its core technology since its launch in 2003. Previously, the engine was a proprietary platform, with limited external access. In recent years, there has been increasing pressure within the gaming industry for companies to share tools and codebases to foster innovation and community engagement. Fenris Creations, the developer behind EVE Online, has historically maintained a closed approach to its engine but announced this open source shift as part of a broader strategy to involve the community more directly in the game’s evolution. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward open development, especially in online and multiplayer games, where community input can significantly influence ongoing development.“Releasing the Carbon engine as open source reflects our commitment to transparency and innovation. We believe the community can help us push the boundaries of what’s possible in EVE Online.”
— Fenris Creations spokesperson
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Details Still Unclear on Support and Future Updates
It is not yet clear how Fenris Creations will support the open source project long-term, including updates, bug fixes, and licensing terms. The company has not provided detailed documentation or a roadmap, and it remains uncertain how community contributions will be managed or integrated into the official game development process.EVE Online game engine source code
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Next Steps for Developers and Community Engagement
Fenris Creations plans to release documentation and support channels to facilitate community involvement. They are expected to announce a developer portal or forums where contributors can collaborate, submit improvements, and discuss the engine’s development. The company may also host events or hackathons to encourage active participation. Monitoring updates and community feedback will be essential to understanding how this initiative unfolds and influences EVE Online’s future updates.
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Key Questions
What exactly is included in the open source release?
The release includes the source code of EVE Online’s Carbon engine, but does not include proprietary assets, licensed components, or certain internal tools used by the company.
Will this affect the gameplay or user experience?
Currently, there is no direct impact on gameplay. The open source move is aimed at developers and the community to create tools and modifications that could enhance future features.
Can anyone contribute to the engine now?
Fenris Creations has indicated they will support community contributions, but specific processes and guidelines are still to be announced.
Does this mean EVE Online is moving to an open source model?
No, the core game remains proprietary. Only the engine code has been open sourced to foster community development around the technology.
What are the risks of releasing the engine open source?
Potential risks include intellectual property concerns, managing community contributions, and maintaining control over the game’s core features and updates.
Source: hn
