EVE Online's Carbon Engine Is Now Open Source: Fenris Creations Explains Why
AIThis post was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI).

TL;DR

Prime Big Deal Days · Oct 6–7Offer from Amazon

Get games and gaming gear delivered free — and shop member deals

  • Fast, free delivery on millions of items
  • Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
  • Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Start your free Prime trial Free trial for eligible customers · Cancel anytime
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

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.

At a glance
announcementWhen: announced March 2024
The developmentFenris Creations announced the open source release of EVE Online’s Carbon engine, explaining their motivations for sharing the code publicly.
Top Steam deals right now
Red Dead Redemption 2-75%$14.99
Cyberpunk 2077-70%$17.99
DOOM: The Dark Ages-67%$23.09
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced-50%$14.99
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced-50%$14.99
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty-40%$17.99
Palworld-30%$20.99
Baldur’s Gate 3-25%$44.99
Live · Steam store (current discounts)

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.
Amazon

open source game engine development tools

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

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

Amazon

game development software for modding

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

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.
Amazon

EVE Online game engine source code

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

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.
Amazon

developer tools for open source gaming

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

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

HALLOWEEN

Halloween Picks

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

You May Also Like

Arc System Works Surges In Global Coverage

Arc System Works experiences a significant surge in international coverage, with 11 mentions in recent media analysis, indicating rising global interest.

Xbox Game Pass adds updates for Forza Horizon 6, World War Z, and more

Xbox Game Pass has released updates for Forza Horizon 6, World War Z, and additional titles, enhancing gameplay and features for subscribers.

NYT Connections hints today for #1,117: Clues and answers for Thursday, July 2

Hints and answers for today’s NYT Connections #1,117 puzzle released on July 2, 2023, with insights into the game and solving strategies.

Coming Soon to Steam — 2026-07-22

Explore 10 Steam arrivals for July 22, 2026, with wishlist tips and careful Linux and Steam Deck compatibility notes.