This marks the beginning of EVE Fanfest Saga – Part 3. If you missed the earlier parts, you can start with Part 1, where I recount my arrival in Reykjavik, and Part 2, where I explore the city’s mystical landmarks, including the EVE Monument and CCP Games headquarters. Now, we dive into the first of two festival days, packed with grand announcements, unforgettable encounters, and legendary celebrations.
Table of Contents
As the first light of dawn pierced the horizon on September 22, 2023, the inaugural day of the EVE Online Festival beckoned. After a hearty breakfast, I made my way to the Laugardalshöll Sports Complex, arriving promptly at 9 AM, eager to immerse myself in the day’s events.
The Grand Opening Ceremony
At the stroke of 10 AM, the official opening ceremony commenced. The vast hall began to fill with attendees, each sharing the same anticipation. One by one, members of CCP Games took the stage to share the community’s achievements. A particularly memorable segment featured two company analysts delving into the history of the monthly economic reports.
EVE Online stands apart from other multiplayer games due to its fully functional economic model. One analyst engaged the audience with riddles, presenting various figures and inviting guesses about their significance. It was captivating to learn that players had collectively spent 460,000 years in the game. They also shed light on the methodologies behind data collection, analysis processes, and the discoveries hidden within the numbers. I’ll be honest—this is my favorite part of the panel. I just love data and numbers! Hehe.
A Presidential Address
Next, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, the President of Iceland, took the stage, guarded by two CONCORD officers—cosplayers who had fully embraced their roles. The President, well-acquainted with the community, welcomed their presence. In Iceland, he is universally respected—a good man has nothing to fear in this land.
His speech wove the history of games through the lens of Icelandic sagas. He recounted a brief parable about two boys whose play turned sour, leading one to strike the other with an battleaxe. The moral he drew was that games have existed for centuries, yet modern video games do not lead to violence, unlike in ancient times.
EVE Fanfest is a testament to this—players may feud for years in-game, plotting intrigues, setting traps, dismantling corporations, and waging wars, but when they meet in reality, they bond over a pint of beer. Everyone understands that a game is just that—a source of joy. And if defeat occurs, it should be met with dignity and lessons learned. In conclusion, he urged, “Leave violence on the screen!”. The audience rose to their feet, applauding with great appreciation.
Exploring the Festival Grounds
Following the opening ceremony, I had some free time before my next interview, so I set out to explore the festival halls and engage with fellow attendees.
A Diverse Pavilion Layout
The festival grounds were a vibrant mix of themed zones. Rest areas were thoughtfully arranged, offering a place to sit, recharge, or chat with friends. At the heart of the festival stood a massive stage, complemented by two smaller ones where both developers and players shared their success stories and showcased their exceptional skills in EVE Online.
Food, Drinks, and Entertainment
The food options were simple—burgers and pizza—but service was quick, ensuring no one had to wait long for a snack. Two bars offered a variety of drinks, and a DJ periodically performed near one of them, adding to the festival atmosphere.
A Walk Through EVE’s Legacy
The second floor featured a long, well-lit corridor adorned with ten panels chronicling the most significant moments in EVE Online’s 20-year history. This space felt almost sacred—attendees walked quietly, whispering to each other as they pointed out key events. The ambiance was reminiscent of an art gallery or a temple, where an unspoken understanding dictated reverence and silence.
I also came across a dozen events I was part of—just seeing those simple printed words and screenshots instantly transported me back to those years. A truly nostalgic moment. Whoever came up with this gallery is a genius!
The Marketplace and Unique Offerings
Below, the merchandise hall was bustling with official stores and independent artists selling their work. Among the most intriguing attractions was a real tattoo parlor where skilled artists inked EVE-themed designs. Nearby, a beauty salon offered hair styling and makeup inspired by in-game character models—perfect for those wanting to embody the true capsuleer aesthetic.
The Silent Auction
The festival’s highlight was a silent auction featuring signed memorabilia and rare EVE collectibles. One of the standout items was a decommissioned blade server, which fetched an impressive $4,000 bid. The auction operated via written bids—participants noted their names and amounts on a sheet of paper placed next to each item, with the highest bid by the next day securing the prize.
All proceeds from these activities were donated to the Barnaspítali Hringsins, Iceland’s children’s hospital, reinforcing the event’s spirit of community and generosity.
Voices from the Future
I stepped aside, closed my eyes, and let the fragments of conversations transport me 21,000 years into the future. The air buzzed with excitement—laughter, discussions, and shared stories filled the halls. EVE Online is legendary for its incredible tales, and here they unfolded in real-time. A shy young man in glasses recounted leading 4,000 pilots into battle. An older veteran detailed his lone pirate escapades in low-security space. A charismatic woman spoke passionately about large-scale industrial production and moon mining. This was EVE—familiar, vibrant, and alive.
The Big Announcement Show
Suddenly, a voice boomed over the loudspeakers, calling everyone to the main hall for the most anticipated event of the festival—a 90-minute showcase packed with major announcements. While many of the revelations had already been publicized, they were worth listing:
- CCP Games announced the new expansion, Havoc, for EVE Online.
- Project Discovery enters its fourth phase, now focusing on cancer research with a new mobile app.
- EVE Galaxy Conquest—a new strategy game set in the EVE universe—was revealed. BTW, here is my review of this game.
- EVE Vanguard, a first-person shooter within the EVE universe, was officially announced. After beta testing i created a music video, so check it out!
- The 20th Anniversary Alliance Tournament was confirmed. And here you can find my recap of the event and post with lots of numbers and analytics!
- Next year’s EVE Fanfest will take place from May 1–3, 2025.
- The results of the player vote for the ten representatives of the Council of Stellar Management (CSM) were revealed.
There were also smaller announcements and teasers hinting at future developments.
Meeting the Developers
With the show concluded, the crowds once again flooded the corridors and halls. EVE Fanfest remains a unique event in the gaming world—one where direct, equal-footing conversations with developers are not only possible but encouraged. CCP employees, easily recognizable in black denim shirts embroidered with CCP Games DEV, mingled effortlessly with attendees.
Rumor had it that over 200 CCP staff members were present. Players could casually stop and chat with technical directors, lead artists, junior animators, or even the company’s CEO. For me, this was an opportunity to finally meet, in person, those with whom I had only communicated remotely via video calls over the years. This year, we could finally shake hands and embrace—a true reunion, forged in the digital depths of New Eden.
The Grand Finale: Pub Crawl Through Reykjavik
The first day of the festival concluded with a lively pub crawl, a beloved tradition where participants visit multiple bars in a single night. At 7:00 PM, everyone gathered at Ingólfstorg Square, nestled in the heart of Reykjavik’s old town. The crowd split into groups of about 20 people each. Rumors suggested there were 14 teams, but I didn’t bother counting. Each team was led by a real-life Viking in full authentic costume, accompanied by CCP Games staff who served as guides and gracious hosts.
The square buzzed with excitement—cheers echoed through the air, and people gestured wildly in anticipation. Despite the boisterous energy, there was an underlying sense of camaraderie, mingled with a bit of awkwardness from strangers meeting for the first time. Even the Vikings reassured everyone of their peaceful intentions—rather than a sword at their belts, each carried a drinking horn. To kick things off, we cracked open a special edition light beer, brewed by Lady Brewery to celebrate EVE Online’s 20th anniversary. With drinks in hand, we set off into the night.
Breaking the Ice Over Drinks
A parade of slightly rowdy, joyful players made their way through the winding streets of Reykjavik’s old town. Curious tourists stopped in their tracks to observe the spectacle. By the time we reached our first stop, the initial awkwardness had already begun to fade. Conversations flowed more naturally as people discovered shared friends, past events, and in-game experiences.
EVE Online is an expert at weaving players’ lives together through its grand narratives and community events. Sitting alone at a computer, it’s easy to feel like a solitary figure in the vastness of New Eden. But then moments like this happen—when the illusion of isolation shatters, and you realize: I’m not just in a bar with strangers at the edge of the world; I’m surrounded by fellow pilots, and we share more than I ever imagined. At one table sat newcomers who had started playing only a year and a half ago during COVID-19, alongside veterans who had been flying through the stars for over two decades.
The Final Destination: Gamla Bíó
After making our way through several bars, we reached our ultimate stop—Gamla Bíó, a grand venue where all 14 teams reunited into a single massive crowd. Inside, a huge dance floor pulsed with energy as a DJ spun upbeat tracks. Players and developers danced together, blurring the lines between community and creators. It was a sight to behold—and even better to experience firsthand.
Of course, even the best nights must come to an end. With another day full of discoveries ahead, I knew it was time to call it a night. Taking a leisurely walk through the quiet streets of Reykjavik, I returned to my hotel just past midnight, ready for whatever the festival had in store next.
Day 3 Gallery
In the fourth part of the Saga, you’ll get a glimpse into the final day of EVE Fanfest. But before that, enjoy a collection of festival photos below, see if you can spot yourself or a fellow corpmate!
Leave a Reply