CCP Games is expanding the already enormous galactic setting of its storied MMORPG EVE Online way beyond its typical scope. In a surprise announcement, the developer announced a new FPS experience called Vanguard. The first public gameplay demonstration was played live on stage earlier today during EVE Fanfest 2023’s keynote.
Built using Unreal Engine 5, the sandbox multiplayer extraction shooter sees players take on the role of the Vanguard, a new generation of war clones fighting for their survival as they undertake contracts on the planets of New Eden.
EVE Online FPS Game Vanguard Launches Later in 2023
Playable either solo or with buddies in a squad, players will descend to the gritty surface of dangerous planets to shoot and loot their way to better equipment and resources. As was the case with CCP’s 2013 Dust 514 for PS3, EVE Vanguard will be connected to the wider EVE Online experience. This time, however, it’s right off the bat from day one through something called Frontline Corruption.
That’s just the first phase, though. Over time, new gameplay, content, and interoperability with EVE Online are planned. Importantly, actions that players take in Vanguard will have a direct consequence to the shape of the galaxy in EVE Online.
Vanguard is currently in a pre-alpha state, but even still the EVE community won’t have long to wait for their first hands-on with this new EVE Online FPS game. EVE Online Omega players will have the opportunity to access First Strike, a publicly playable mass test, in December this year.
The Nerd Stash attended the live presentation today during the keynote, but the wider public won’t get a proper look until next week when footage of the demo is made available. For now, feast your eyes on the screenshots here and check out the teaser in today’s keynote trailer.
“Building games with a passionate community is how we do our best work,” said Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games. “As we continue to expand and deepen our universe together into the EVE Universe’s third decade with interconnected experiences, it is with great joy and excitement that we reveal EVE Vanguard. Heading into 2024, there will be multiple opportunities for players to experience and give feedback on our efforts. Together, we are fulfilling the ultimate sci-fi experience across two interconnected worlds: as it is above, so it is below.”
Players will be able to drop into EVE Vanguard’s gameplay experience directly from the EVE Online launcher on PC.
Developer CCP Games has a history of spin-off titles to help deepen the scope of EVE Online. Back in 2017, it announced the VR game Gunjack.
