Studio behind EVE Online changes name to avoid confusion with the Chinese Communist Party

The team behind the popular MMO EVE Online, formerly known as Crowd Control Productions, has announced that it is changing its name to Fenris Creations. The change, announced on May 8, 2026, is intended to avoid confusion with the Chinese Communist Party, whose abbreviation is also often CCP.

Reasons for the name change

The name change comes as the studio separates from its former owner, Pearl Abyss. In an interview, Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of Fenris Creations, explained that there had been an increasing "brand collision" between the studio and the Chinese Communist Party. Pétursson noted that English-language media had increasingly referred to the studio as "the other CCP." That led to confusion, especially for employees visiting the United States who were asked about the name.

After more than 20 years operating under the Crowd Control Productions name, the time had come for a change. According to Pétursson, it made sense to make the move now, given the other changes happening within the organization. "If we don't do it now, when do we do it?" he asked.

Fenris Creations and its meaning

The new name, Fenris Creations, is inspired by Norse mythology. It refers to both destruction and creation, two themes closely tied to the experiences in EVE Online. The MMORPG is known for its epic stories full of conflict, often with destructive outcomes. Pétursson explained: "There is something beautiful about destroying ships, and the deeper, hardcore meaning behind the name reflects what we do."

The rebrand also comes alongside a return to independence after buying out Pearl Abyss, marking a new chapter for Fenris Creations. The team aims to preserve its legacy and values under the new name.

Impact on the EVE Online community

The branding change could also affect the EVE Online community itself. The studio has a loyal player base that has been associated with the CCP name for years. The team is aware of this and hopes the new name will not alienate players, but instead symbolize a fresh start.

By changing its name, Fenris Creations expects not only to avoid confusion, but also to make a clean break for future projects and expansions. Its focus will remain on improving the gameplay experience and supporting the community.

Future plans

With the name change in mind, plans are also being made for future content and updates in EVE Online. The studio wants to refresh its image and further increase player engagement. Pétursson said this period of transition offers plenty of potential to invest in new ideas and experiments within the game.

The changes made will affect not only the studio's name, but also the direction EVE Online takes in the future, with special attention paid to preserving the rich narratives and gameplay that formed the foundation of the game.