CCP Okami, Game Design Director for EVE Online, provides insight into the challenges faced in mining within the game, particularly following the Equinox expansion. Mining has been a hot topic due to recent economic shifts, such as the spike in mineral prices. Okami acknowledges that changes made during Equinox, like increased flexibility in Nullsec mining, led to unintended consequences, such as more micromanagement, reduced efficiency, and shifts in player behavior (e.g., more players switching from mining to ratting).

The design team aimed for more player freedom in Nullsec, but underestimated the impact of these changes on the overall economy. Mining, originally more rewarding, has now become less efficient, leading to frustration within the community. Okami reflects on the difficulty of balancing EVE Online’s simulated economy, recognizing that drastic changes can disrupt the game’s delicate balance.

Looking ahead, CCP is introducing adjustments in the Revenant Major Update (March 12) to improve mining efficiency, like rebalancing ore distribution, introducing T3 upgrades, and addressing issues with Metenox moon mining. Okami emphasizes that EVE‘s economy requires gradual tuning, ongoing feedback from players, and careful, transparent communication.

In the future, the team plans to explore capital mining (bringing Rorquals back), expanding mining opportunities across other regions, and refining the mining system to keep it dynamic and engaging, with potential for new gameplay mechanics like waste management and dynamic ore discoveries.

Overall, Okami stresses a cautious, iterative approach to balancing EVE’s economy and promises ongoing engagement with the community.

Check out official article:
Equinox Mining Balance, Philosophy and Learnings | EVE Online