EVE Online has always had a reputation as a hardcore sandbox MMO, a game in which the players build the world as they see fit. While developers build the core gameplay systems, it's what players do with that gameplay that makes
EVE special. It's the political hijinks of nullsec alliances, the massive heists, and the stories of people forging their own directions
that drive people to play EVE. I've often said that
EVE is less a game and more a story about what players do when left alone with each other. It's a story of conflict driven by simply having so many players in one universe with limited resources.
Not everyone likes that sandbox angle or plays an MMO primarily for the social interaction; some like to be presented with a fully crafted story that they can play through or be a part of. Most themepark MMOs cater exclusively to this type of player, with stories told in quests that send him across the landscape. In the summer of 2005,
EVE Online almost started to cater to that type of player with its COSMOS constellations, areas filled with once-only missions and valuable rare items. The constellations were later practically abandoned to work on other new features, but I think they should make a return -- they could revolutionise
EVE Online for themepark fans.
In this week's
EVE Evolved, I look back at the ancient COSMOS constellations and consider how they could be brought back to breathe new life into every area of
EVE.
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