EVE Online Players Protest Pay-To-Win Mining Barge With A Media Blackout Campaign

eve online prospector pack mining barge banner

CCP Games is in hot water over the introduction of an alleged pay-to-win fully-kitted mining barge in EVE Online last week. To protest the move, several streamers have launched a campaign called EVE Blackout where they broadcast an image with a warning that reads:

“This video game will attempt to monetize your gameplay. You do not need to swipe a credit card to buy a spaceship.”

The warning links back to the EVE Blackout site where the organizers explaining the reason behind the protest while also pointing out CCP’s previous attempts to monetize the game.

“For the past few years, CCP Games has systematically dismantled key mechanics relating to EVE Online’s economy. Basic ships for basic combat have become more expensive and require more materials to build. […] But fear not, CCP in their infinite wisdom has decided that the way to solve the developmental challenges that face them is simple: they can just give us the spaceships. For a fee.”

“The problem with this pack is that it continues to exploit new and veteran players alike for a quick buck on their way out,” said the organizers. “It may not be a big deal to you that someone can buy a Retriever for $24.99 and that’s okay. […] What about when, after all this time, the most expensive and time-consuming trophy ship in the game (Titans) with all the skill points required and your selection of modules is available at the swipe of a credit card?”

“For this media blackout to end, CCP must make immediate and lasting changes to their monetization practices,” they added. “Dozens of ideas have been thrown at CCP for cosmetic ways to increase their revenue. Ways that don’t belittle and undermine the impact and effort of industrialists and do not slap the veteran player in the face.”

The mining barge in question is part of the $24.99 Prospector Pack which includes a 30-day subscription, 100 PLEX, and a “ready-to-fly” Retriver mining barge which comes complete with skill books, modules, and tokens that players can use to redeem Skill Points and Ship Insurance.

Meanwhile, CCP Games remains unaffected by the digital protest and are actually offering the mining barge bundle at a discount for a limited-time. The offer is available to all new players upon starting the newly-revamped mining career agent tutorial.