Games as reality (with EVE Online)

Hilmar Pétursson and Eddy Lazzarin
09.13.24
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When does virtual reality cease being virtual… and start to become reality? This episode digs deep into game design, philosophy, and mechanics with the maker of one of the world’s most iconic massive multiplayer online role playing games: EVE Online. Listen also as our guest, Hilmar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, shares more about his studio’s next act: EVE Frontier, a blockchain-based overhaul of the sci-fi game that is now inviting people to apply as playtesters.

The other voice you’ll hear is that of Eddy Lazzarin, a16z crypto’s Chief Technology Officer and an avid gamer himself. The two discuss Pétursson’s unique worldview and game-making philosophy, as well as a deep dive into the technology and economic design of his sci-fi simulation. They also touche on how niche cults can break into mainstream culture, how slow databases can make for fun gameplay, and what to expect from the studio’s crypto-infused sequel EVE Frontier.

This conversation originally took place earlier this year at a16z crypto’s CSX startup accelerator program in London, videos of which are posted on the a16z crypto YouTube channel.

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