Thoughts From a Returning Player: EVE Could Grow Again with Broader Gameplay Support

Communications Center General Discussion
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I’ve been away from EVE for a while, and as I consider returning, I wanted to share some thoughts from the perspective of someone who spent most of their time in mining, industry, and non‑combat gameplay.

One thing that stands out to me is that EVE still feels heavily centered around PvP as the primary design pillar. That’s not inherently bad — PvP is a core part of EVE’s identity — but it sometimes feels like other playstyles receive fewer meaningful updates or long‑term development.

Since I’ve been gone, I noticed the mining changes, especially the new ore class system. While I understand the intention behind adding more granularity, it feels like it adds complexity without necessarily adding engagement. For players like me who enjoyed the calmer, economic side of EVE, it can feel more like friction than depth.

This got me thinking about how other long‑running MMOs approach growth. RuneScape, for example, recently added an entirely new skill — Sailing — which introduced a fresh gameplay pillar and brought back a lot of returning players. They’re expanding the game horizontally, not just adjusting what already exists.

I think EVE could benefit from something similar: new gameplay systems that appeal to a wider range of players, not just refinements to existing ones.

Some possibilities that come to mind:

  • New industrial or economic professions that go beyond the current loop
  • Expanded exploration gameplay with new mechanics or environments
  • Cooperative PvE systems that scale for groups of all sizes
  • Non-combat progression paths that feel meaningful and rewarding

EVE has always marketed itself as a sandbox, and I think the sandbox becomes stronger when every type of player has something new to look forward to — not just those focused on combat.

I’m not suggesting EVE should move away from PvP. I’m suggesting that broadening the game’s pillars could bring back many veterans like myself and make the game more approachable for new players.

I’d love to hear what others think, especially from players who’ve recently returned or who focus on non‑PvP gameplay.

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(Actual) mining permits. Let the hilarity ensue!

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Did you know EvE Online is a PvP game?

That probably explains why you feel it is centered upon PvP! :thinking: If you were looking for something else, might I suggest Supermarket Simulator? It provides all the excitement and adventure of shopping, without having to leave the home! :open_mouth: The game is PvP free, and well suited for AFK grindplay.

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Expanding the game like this would require some really talented devs

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I feel you are speaking and not listening. Of course the players know Eve Online is PvP. However what you seem to fail to understand is this, Eve is not just PvP only, it is also economy based upon miners you particularly shoot down in these forums with “calm down miner” slogan. The game is not called “Aiko’s PvP Only Game” it is much more than PvP.

The developers made it player base driven economy and PvP sand box. Am I hearing you want it to be a theme park? I am a miner, go ahead and tell me to STFU as you have done with the stale “calm down miner” meme. Several miners and producers play here with or without participation in the PvP element. I don’t cry when someone blows me up while mining, but you apparently don’t want anyone here at all mining or producing ships, rockets, missiles, and ammo.

I am not crazy about the new Exordium system on the 9th. If you want to seek blame for its arrival, just look in a mirror. Over zealous PvP makes for poor player relationships in the game. Keeping it up in the forums, makes me wonder why anyone would even attempt to start playing here.

Mine Safe :pick:

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That sounds like PvP.

Uh, not really, no… it’s not.

You understand me perfectly.

Ok, calm down miner…

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Ignore the gankers. They are spoiled players allowed to camp high sec in safety while they wait for a victim :face_vomiting: And for some reason the devs think this is a good design. They are probably equally spoiled

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I think the miners in this game need a meme of their own. Since a calm miner is one that produces nothing, it would not take long, if all the productive miners went on strike and the market would dry up. So I think, miners should use the following as their new meme.

Dry up Aiko

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As someone who mines a bit, please do. I would love for the rocks in increase in value.

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While adding newer PvE elements would be nice, we don’t need things that would encourage even more AFK or solo gameplay. This is an MMO, not a single player RPG, no matter how bad you want it to be…

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The one that I think would create the most fun, newness and engagement would be smuggling as a profession.

At first, build it on top of NPC-only orders for goods planetside that non-capsuleers want that are expensive, unique and illegal in various areas. Expand the NPCs in the custom bracket and change some of the mechanics so they can be killed, fled from, bribed, etc but like sleepers have long memories and will chase u and hunt you into areas of space. Lock out high-sec areas for docking or create specialized NPC-like citadels for illicit docking and periodically destroy or change areas like changing ‘safehouses’ without prior notice, with limited notice or tip-offs, in high-sec areas for docking, or create specialized NPC-like citadels for illicit docking.

Once the NPC areas/levels are created allow players to come into the game as well by creating lucrative, dangerous contracts through the Freelance contracts. Think along the lines of creating ‘drug mule contracts’ where for a % of the profits you accept the risks yourself or offload to another dupe. Getting ‘tips’ through doing missions for criminal agents for lucrative contracts at higher levels, much like a hidden % chance roll based on standings, payoffs, etc.

This should all follow the creation of new granular standings abilities with pirate and new small criminal factions in empire space, as well as new skills to train and plan in Social skills.

Then add new ships that are great at smuggling past the NPCs but less great for capsuleers, then add new freelance caspuleer jobs to interdict said pilots and ships. Where said contracts allow for LE engagements with target ship without targets prior knowledge. Allowing a paranoia aspect amoungst smugglers, as everyone can be a potential spy, threat, etc.

Just some rough ideas off the top of my head.

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Drugs (Combat Boosters) used to be illegal in highsec aside from the weakest ones, and you had to smuggle them about the place, and station trade them as you couldn’t put them on the market or in contracts.

But is was decided that was too much hard work so they were legalised.

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Any good experienced veteran or even a new miner in the game should support ganking no matter how or where it is done.

Its isk back into your pockets. Its a full circle system.

:money_bag:

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High sec shouldnt have PVP but also outside of high sec should be made better for PVP. For example gate camps are too risky because of hot drops and null sec roaming is too risky because of bubbles

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chrisfarly
chrisfarly500×500 81.5 KB

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Feigning ignorance is a terrible idea

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What does this actually mean? What “Ore class system”?

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PVE (Player Vs. Environment) in Eve doesn’t mean agaisnt NPC’s only. Other players are part of the environment that needs to be dealt with.

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Theyre referring to the merging of asteroid types to each crystal implemented in Catalyst. The 5 tiers of crystals each have their own group of rocks theyll work on instead of having many different crystals for many different rocks.

It was another way to simplify something in the game.

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It’s not. Learn to read lmao.