Fenris Creations Opens Up the Carbon Engine: A Game Changer for Gamers

On July 1, Fenris Creations, the studio behind the iconic MMO EVE Online, took a bold step by fully releasing its proprietary Carbon Engine as open source. This engine powers not just EVE Online but also the early access space survival game EVE Frontier. Now, developers and enthusiasts can access the Carbon Engine’s repositories on GitHub, marking a significant shift in game development.

In an era where proprietary engines are the norm, this move is quite unexpected. Many studios, like CD Projekt, known for their Red Engine, have turned to popular options like Unreal Engine, which is gearing up for its sixth version. Interestingly, while EVE Online and EVE Frontier utilize Carbon, Fenris is opting for Unreal to develop their upcoming FPS, EVE Vanguard.

What’s truly impressive is Fenris’s proven commitment to their promises. During my first visit to the studio in late 2024, they detailed their ambitious vision for EVE Frontier, focusing on a more action-packed gameplay experience, server-side modding support, and, of course, the open-sourcing of the Carbon Engine. Fast forward less than two years, and they’ve delivered on all fronts: dynamic dogfights in Frontier, an active modding community, and now, the Carbon Engine is available for all.

This commitment to openness is refreshing, especially as the tech world increasingly trends towards closed systems. Similar to the Steam Machine’s focus on customizable computing, Fenris is carving out a distinctive path by prioritizing community collaboration over proprietary technologies.

While the team continues to develop EVE Frontier, they’re also making strides with EVE Vanguard, an ambitious MMO-extraction FPS that fans are eagerly awaiting. Meanwhile, EVE Online remains a beacon of chaotic fun in the MMO landscape, recently witnessing a lucky newbie player scoring an unbelievable one-in-a-million loot drop.