Google DeepMind Stakes Claim in EVE Online Creator for AI Training
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Fenris Creations has returned to independent management and partnered with Google DeepMind, selling a minority stake to the tech giant to use an offline build of EVE Online for AI research.
The developers behind EVE Online are heading into a new era following a management buyout from Pearl Abyss, returning to independent operations under the newly adopted name Fenris Creations. Alongside this structural shift, the studio announced a high profile research partnership with Google DeepMind. As reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, the collaboration involves Google acquiring a minority stake in the studio to use an offline, local server version of the famously complex space MMO as a sandbox for advanced artificial intelligence research.
Google DeepMind plans to leverage the sandbox to test and evaluate models on long horizon planning, memory, and continual learning. Because EVE Online is driven by an unpredictable player economy and massive sociopolitical player conflicts, it presents an ideal testing ground for complex system dynamics. DeepMind leadership highlighted the studio's long history with simulation games, noting that the unpredictable and deeply player driven nature of New Eden provides a unique training ground for algorithms that need to navigate intricate, multi layered environments.
While the partnership aims to eventually explore new gameplay experiences enabled by these technologies, the announcement has naturally sparked mixed reactions within the community. The involvement of Google DeepMind brings broader tech industry controversies into the gaming space, particularly regarding military contracts and labor disputes at the tech giant. For now, Fenris Creations insists that leadership, ongoing development, and the day to day management of the EVE universe remain entirely unchanged as they secure financial backing to support the living universe for years to come.
Tags: EVE Online, Google DeepMind, PC Gaming, AI, MMO
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun