Fenris Creations: the rebrand of CCP Games and collaboration with Google DeepMind

The studio and developer behind the popular MMO EVE Online, formerly known as CCP Games, has recently undergone a major name change. The new name, Fenris Creations, is a response to growing confusion with the abbreviation CCP, which also stands for the Chinese Communist Party. This article looks at the reasons behind the change and the company’s recent developments.

Reasons for the name change

According to Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of Fenris Creations, the decision to change the name was driven by increasing "brand collision." This has led to misunderstandings and questions among staff when they are in the United States. The confusion was especially noticeable when CCP was frequently referred to as "the other CCP" in news coverage. Pétursson says it was time to make the change to avoid future confusion.

Strengthening independence

Alongside the rebrand, Fenris Creations has also separated from Pearl Abyss, its former owner. The studio is now fully controlled by senior management and long-term investors, including Google. This gives Fenris Creations a stronger position as a developer, publisher, and operator of player-driven online experiences.

Partnership with Google DeepMind

One of the most significant steps Fenris Creations has taken is entering a research partnership with Google DeepMind. The partnership is worth $120 million and aims to explore the possibilities of AI in gaming. Fenris Creations will use EVE Online as a testbed for themes such as long-term planning, memory, and continuous learning.

The partnership will focus on creating new gameplay experiences enabled by AI technologies developed by Google DeepMind.

The future of EVE Online

With these changes, Fenris Creations is not only positioning itself for the future, but also emphasizing its commitment to continuously improving and expanding EVE Online. This comes at a time when many new MMOs are struggling to attract players. While other games are having a hard time, EVE Online is seeing an increase in new players, a testament to the game’s lasting appeal and relevance.

Summary

Fenris Creations, formerly CCP Games, is undergoing a major transformation with a new name and a significant partnership with Google DeepMind. This partnership will not only help shape the future of EVE Online, but also pave the way for innovation within the games industry. As the company regains its independence, the focus remains on developing a dynamic and immersive play environment for its users.