EVE Players Can Soon Help Map Real Space

EVE Online has always been a source of fascination for me, being a fully-fleshed out, player-run dream world of science fiction, where the most patient, skilled, and charismatic gamers can lead whole armies and reshape the entire digital world, and even make a living doing it in the process. The game has shown time and time again that players are able to accomplish some amazing things if they put their brain to it, and now, thanks to a partnership between developer CCP and the University of Geneva, EVE Online players will be able to accomplish more than winning money and honor for their corporations: they’ll be able to assist in real-world space-faring, via Project: Discovery.

While the details are still sparse, in effect, it means that real-world astronomical data will be imported to the game, and players will have a chance to interact with it, helping map it all out. Once they do, the data will be sent back to the University of Geneva, who’ll organize and authenticate the data. The player will net a sweet reward, and will help contribute to the advancement of science: it’s a win-win!

Andie Nordgren, EVE's Executive Producer, had this to say:

"We were thrilled to see the successes of our first foray into citizen science, in which EVE players have been voracious contributors to the database of the Human Protein Atlas. In searching for the next dataset for our massive player community to tackle, the stars aligned for players to have the opportunity to directly contribute to the search for new planets with a world-renowned scientific team. Real people around the world collaborating in a virtual universe to explore the real universe is the stuff science fiction, and soon science fact, is made of."

More information about the project will be shared during this year’s Magfest, which will run beteen April 6th and the 8th. I can’t wait!