EVE Online

EVE Online is a game based in strategy and economics. Set more than 21,000 years in the future, the game has as its premise that humanity has branched out and colonized the far reaches of the galaxy. Since then, five distinct branches (races) of society have arisen, each with their capabilities, values, and structures.

Players start the game by choosing a character from one of these races. They must then build up their skills and abilities, choose a profession, and spend currency on ships and items. Leveling skills occurs in real-time—i.e., a player may leave the game after choosing a skill to learn, and the character will continue to learn that skill. Some skills can take a month or more to fully learn. Professions include mining, manufacturing, trading, salvage, piracy, defense, research, archaeology, combat, and more.

One aspect of EVE Online that makes the game a different experience from most MMORPGs is that griefing—the act of attacking, stealing from, or otherwise manipulating another player—is a legitimate part of the game. Only active, needless harassment is disallowed. This mechanic has come into play many times on a grand scale—for instance, in late January 2014, a huge battle broke out involving over 7,000 players. Hundreds of expensive and powerful ships were irretrievably lost. Players can also become pirates, enact Ponzi schemes, or play the market; the idea is for the gameplay to be as realistic as possible.

The fundamental themes in EVE Online are based on economics and strategy. There isn’t a story per se; the goal is to gain power, whether that be in financial strength, military dominance, or political prowess. Combat does come into play, but fighting isn’t necessarily the only means—or even the preferred means—of achieving power.

Because EVE Online is what is known as a persistent-world MMO, gameplay doesn’t really stop when a player logs off—rather, the world continues to evolve. Thus there are no savepoints, and there is no going back in time.

EVE Online can be quite difficult since it is a continuously evolving world with a complex economic structure. Players tend to be fairly involved with the game, and those who prefer to take a less serious approach to the gameplay tend to not do very well.

EVE Online has had some trouble with bullying among its players in the past. While there are precautions in place, players may encounter strong language and/or negative player interactions.

• It's possible to spend a lot of real money in EVE Online. Is it reasonable to continue to pay real money for entertainment value, or is there a point at which the cost outweighs the benefit? Where is your line?
• Do you think a game like this could be a way to simulate real life problems or situations without any negative repercussions?