EVE Online is a controversial game. And no, we don’t mean its controversial presence in the Middle East. We mean the game itself is controversial. Arguments can rage over whether it’s a game of skill or luck. Some players argue that your performance in-game is directly linked to how much money you make. Is this true? We investigate.
Can I Make Money Playing EVE Online?
If you’re looking for short-cuts to riches in online gaming, then EVE Online might be the game for you. Created by the Icelandic developer CCP, the galaxy-crossing shooter allows players to engage in competitive PvP (player-versus-player) and PvE (player-versus-environment) battles. While the game can be accessed online, players can also download the client and play locally on their PCs or laptops.
CCP has released multiple games since then, and all of them have retained the Eve Online branding. This was most likely done to retain player base. The game has been around since 2002 and has seen notable updates such as the addition of microtransactions. These have allowed players to purchase virtual items to improve their odds of winning in-game battles. In 2018, Eve Online was the highest-grossing game globally, raking in over US$100 million in revenue. And just like that, a game previously associated with free-to-play model has pivoted to a paid-for-status.
The question is: Can I make money playing Eve Online? And, perhaps more importantly, should you play it? Let’s dive in.
Is EVE Online Worth Playing For Money?
To put it simply, the answer is yes. EVE Online is still going strong today — 17 years after its launch. It’s not uncommon for games from this era to see major revisions and sequels. However, based on the fact that CCP isn’t killing the game and is instead focusing on maintaining a steady stream of content, it’s fair to assume that the game is in good hands. And, as a result, so is your potential for financial gain.
The game is free to download and play. You don’t have to pay a cent to join. But like most things in life, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. While playing for free might be the most standard option, there are alternative ways to make money from EVE Online. In this section, we’ll run down the various paths you could take to earn the golden egg. Some are easier than others, so take your pick.
Join a Guild
One of the simplest ways to make money from a game is to join a guild. This is where players band together to take on larger challenges. Whether it’s defeating a boss monster or traveling to a distant place, guilds exist to foster cooperation and competition among its members. And, as a result, they’re usually associated with a particular in-game faction — whether this is good or bad is up to you. When you reach higher levels, you’ll be able to join more prominent guilds and gain access to better rewards. You’ll also be able to engage with more experienced players who can help you move up in the world.
PVE-PVP Trading
Another way to make money from a game is to engage in player-versus-player (PVP) trading. This is done through the use of a website such as Neocommerce or Havoc.trade. The basic idea behind these websites is that they match buyers and sellers, enabling the latter to find a suitable match based on their needs. For example, if you’re looking to buy a Mjolnir armor set for your Sheev, you’ll be matched with other players who are also looking to purchase this set in order to complete their Death Dealer character. Alternatively, if you’re a member of a particular faction, you might be matched with players from the same faction, enabling you to exchange valuable resources for high-quality items.
Scavenger Hunt Raffles
A popular method for people to make money from a game is to take part in raffles, where players get a golden ticket that allows them to win a prize. This could be anything from a game key to a full-price package containing the game, accessories, and more. The more tickets you buy, the better your chance of winning. The first person to reach a certain number of wins takes home the pot. These pots regularly contain thousands of dollars in prizes, making them worthwhile gambles for the winners.
Watching Videos
YouTube channels that cover various games often feature creators who take on a casual role, where they promote games they’re currently playing and show off their excellent gameplay. While this is most likely done for entertainment purposes — to attract potential subscribers — it also enables game creators to make money from content creators who are willing to do their bidding for money. Examples of this can be found on channels like Tryndamere’s Realm, where prominent streamers promote their games and even share revenue from successful microtransactions. The best part? You don’t necessarily have to have a huge audience to get in on the action. You simply need to know the right people. But, again, this is up to you.
Premium Account Usage
As the name implies, a premium account is one that is paid for. Most games have a free version that enables players to access basic features and quests. To get the full experience, you’ll need to shell out some extra cash. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, this often means finding virtual wallets filled with money. Some premium accounts can cost as little as $2.95 per month, with the prices reaching all the way up to $19.99 per month. The reason for the vast price range? It all comes down to how much your game’s developer, CCP, is willing to invest in keeping your account premium. For example, if they’ve poured a great deal of time and effort into creating a stunning environment, adding more details, and giving the game a polished feel, the cost of maintaining this level of quality might be quite high. However, if all they’ve done is slapped a bunch of textures on a plain-looking map, the cost of maintaining a premium account might be much lower. The end result is that you’ll pay more for less, or, at least, this is how it seems based on the information currently available.
CCP is known for the consistent quality of their work, and it shows. Even after all these years, the game still looks as good as new. It’s easy to see why they’ve been able to retain a significant amount of player base. With all these moneymaking tactics still available, it seems clear that EVE Online is still a lucrative game to be a part of.