Tuesday, February 19, 2008

EVE Online Appoints In-World Economist

EVE Online Appoints In-World Economist

Reykjavik, Iceland – June 27, 2007 – CCP
Games, one of the world’s largest independent game developers, today
announced the appointment of a in-world lead economist for EVE Online.
This is the first time an MMOG has commissioned a dedicated real world
economist to operate at this level of economic monitoring and research
for a virtual world. The appointment is a real testament to the growing
intricacy and strength of EVE Online’s thriving virtual economy.

Dr.
Eyjólfur Guðmundsson brings over 15 years’ experience in economic
studies and research, and joins CCP directly from the University of
Akureyri, Iceland, where he among several teaching positions held the
position of the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Science. Prior to
that he was a research associate at the University of Rhode Island’s
Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics where he
also completed his PhD. He has authored or co-authored 15 publications.
Dr. Guðmundsson’s first blog on EVE Online economics is at
http://myeve.eve-online.com/devblog.asp?a=blog&bid=481.

Dr.
Guðmundsson will publish quarterly reports on the state of the EVE
Online economy as well as ongoing analysis of other economic
indicators, such as inflation, economic growth and price trends. His
research is designed to provide players with information necessary to
make strategic decisions, but is also expected to have an impact on
future development of the game. Dr. Guðmundsson will also be
responsible for coordinating research initiatives with academic
institutions.

"EVE Online may be set in the future, but the
skills needed to play are rooted in the real world of today. Players
operate vast corporations whose shares are traded in-game among players
so economic strength and agility is key to their success. Just as
entrepreneurs and executives rely on real-world economic indicators,
EVE Online players need timely information and analysis of the in-game
economy,” said Hilmar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games. “That’s why we
created this important position and we’re delighted to have someone of
Eyjólfur’s caliber and expertise fill the role.”

“Virtual
worlds and MMOGs are emerging as one of the most interesting areas of
experimental economics. Since becoming involved with EVE Online, I have
been exploring the game and growing more fascinated with the community,
its complexities and the unlimited potential of it all. I can see that
CCP has understood that the social structures in EVE Online are far
beyond those of other games,” said Eyjólfur Guðmundsson. “Economic
information is the lifeblood of the game and I believe that, by
ensuring everyone has access to the same data, we will enhance the
player experience and facilitate economic stability in EVE.”

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