Before you even log in, give some thought to what part you would like to play in the sandbox of New Eden. Use your imagination; this doesn’t have to be exact or even immediately achievable, but it will help shape your game experience.
Player Empowerment
EVE Online is not an on-rails kind of game and whilst it provides the tools to interact with the universe and its inhabitants, it doesn’t tell you how you should – that’s your call.
Your idea might even inspire others – that’s how things work in EVE Online. EVE’s history is littered with examples; there was a time early in EVE’s life when multiple player-run corporations (EVE’s guilds) formed out-of-game agreements to work together to take and hold territory. Eventually, CCP responded to this player activity by introducing a game mechanic enabling the formation of alliances. More recently, the overnight success of a newly-formed rookie corporation saw it become “one of the largest corporations in EVE Online”.
Evolve with the Universe
Emergent gameplay isn’t just an empty marketing phrase for CCP, it is a core aspect of their relationship with their customers and a key part of the EVE player’s experience. In the last couple of years, CCP staff have been actively seeking input from the player base for “little things” to improve and some developers are known to trawl the forums for possible new feature ideas.
EVE has grown with and around its players. It is something worth keeping in mind, always.
EVE Online is full of experiences to be had, both good and bad, and it is okay to take your time. There are many, many ways to play EVE from being a passive contributor to the economy, an active and frequent combat pilot to a heavily-invested community leader. One of the best available resources to guide you in deciding is this fantastic interactive flowchart detailing every possible career avenue:
[Click here for the fullscreen interactive site]
Next: The EVE Philosophy
First Steps in EVE Online Series Contents
- Introduction
- Finding a Purpose
- The EVE Philosophy
- Understanding Your Environment
- A Guide to Guides
- Four Must Have EVE Online Resources for Rookie Players
