In a bit of a shocker that I would have expected as an April Fools but CCP Games has announced that they are going to change EVE Online into a Free-to-Play game. In a very long post CCP has released their plans for the F2P system, creating what it called Alpha (F2P) and Omega (subscription) Clone states.

I played EVE Online from launch until not long after its 10th anniversary, with a few breaks in-between due to personal reasons, and I doubt this news would drag me back so much as CCP would expect, but for a new player it may help. Of course, the biggest problem with EVE Online is that people automatically think of “Oh it’s a spreadsheet simulator” or they don’t understand that you can’t do everything by yourself. You have to work with a group and getting your foot in the door can be quite daunting, to say the least.

The biggest downside from what is written for existing players is that you will lose a heck of a lot of power, as you will only be able to fly Tech 1 Frigates, Destroyers and Cruisers. No other ships are listed, though I think an Iteron Mk I freighter might be allowed later, but it does put a big damper on returning players with a lot of skills.

With this change happening in November, it will be interesting to see how it goes live. If this helps get more people in, and possibly paying for stuff. The game is reaching a critical point, a few previous ideas by CCP hasn’t gone down well with the community which has caused an exodus of active players.

Honestly, I’m on the fence since my corporation fell apart so spectacularly. Will this cause you to return, or even get you to try out EVE? Tell us below.