CCP Apologizes For Drastic EVE Online Changes

In a note promising "a humbler, stronger CCP," CEO Hilmar Petursson apologized for rolling out avatars and virtual goods into the popular EVE Online before they were ready. The controversy over the "Incarna" updates came to a head in June, with many players expressing outrage over the introduction of vanity items that cost up to $60, and protesting what they saw as coming plans to let players purchase items that would allow for an in-game advantage. Player representatives and game management eventually came to a mutually agreeable resolution on the issue, but CEO Petursson is now taking personal responsibility for the problems. "The estrangement from CCP that many of you have been feeling of late is my fault, and for that I am truly sorry," Petursson wrote. "There are many contributing factors, but in the end it is I who must shoulder the responsibility for much of what has happened." "You have spoken, loudly and clearly, with your words and with your actions. And there were definitely moments in recent history when I wish I would have listened more and taken a different path," he continued. "I was wrong and I admit it." Petursson re-affirmed CCP's commitment to keep virtual goods completely separate from gameplay, emphasizing that "the investment of money in EVE should not give you an unfair advantage over the investment of time." He also acknowledged that it was a mistake to introduce vanity items before creating an environment where those players could show those items off to others. "We would have been much better off positioning Incarna as an optional technology preview that interested players could have experienced and helped us to refine," Petursson said, promising to refine the ideas and roll them out in better form in the future, while also focusing on other crucial updates needed for the game. CCP is currently working on expanding the EVE Online universe with Dust 514, a PlayStation Network shooter set for release next year.