In a recent patch update, CCP Games made a subtle yet significant change that’s causing quite a stir among EVE Online’s industrial community. The patch notes for December 3rd, 2024, included the following statement:
“Harvesting gas no longer counts towards the Mine Materials contribution method in Corp Projects.”
For those deeply involved in corporate mining operations, this change didn’t go unnoticed. Gas harvesting, a key activity for many players and corporations, especially in wormhole and null-sec space, has been excluded from contributing to corporate mining projects. This decision has left many players questioning the rationale behind it and its implications for their in-game activities.
Corporation Projects in EVE Online are designed to help corporations set goals and encourage member participation in various activities like mining, manufacturing, and combat operations. The “Mine Materials” contribution method has traditionally encompassed all forms of resource extraction, including ore, ice, and gas. By contributing to these projects, members help their corporations achieve collective goals and often receive rewards or recognition in return.
With the new change, gas harvesting no longer counts toward these mining contributions. This means that players who focus on gas harvesting won’t see their efforts reflected in corporate mining projects. For corporations that rely heavily on gas for production—such as those involved in Tech III manufacturing or booster production—this adjustment could disrupt established workflows and incentives.
While the devs haven’t provided a detailed explanation, there are a few theories within the community about why this change was made.
One possibility is that CCP Games aims to align the contribution methods more closely with the mechanics of the Industrial Index in sovereign space. The Industrial Index is influenced by the volume of materials mined within a system. Since gas harvesting yields are measured differently from ore and ice mining—often involving smaller volumes but higher values—the inclusion of gas might have been skewing the data used for system upgrades and development.
By separating gas harvesting from ore and ice mining, CCP Games could be attempting to create a more balanced and accurate system for tracking industrial activities. This adjustment might pave the way for more specialized projects and incentives that better reflect the nature of gas harvesting.
For individual players who specialize in gas harvesting, this change may impact their sense of contribution to their corporations. Without the ability to contribute to mining projects through gas harvesting, they might feel their efforts are less valued.
Corporations that rely on gas harvesting might need to adjust their incentive structures. If gas harvesting doesn’t count toward mining projects, corporations may need to find alternative ways to track and reward these activities. This could involve setting up separate projects or using different metrics to recognize member contributions.
Additionally, there could be broader economic effects. If players feel discouraged from gas harvesting due to a lack of recognition or rewards, there might be a decrease in the supply of gas materials on the market. This could lead to higher prices for gas-related products, affecting industries that depend on these resources.
One of the main concerns expressed by the community is the lack of communication from the devs regarding the change. EVE Online has a complex ecosystem where even small adjustments can have significant ripple effects. Clear communication helps players understand the reasons behind changes and allows them to adapt accordingly.
There is hope among the community that CCP Games will provide more information or introduce additional features to address the concerns raised. If the goal is to create a more nuanced system for tracking industrial activities, introducing a dedicated “Harvest Gas” contribution method would be a logical next step.
Such a move would not only acknowledge the unique nature of gas harvesting but also allow corporations to set specific goals and rewards for this activity. It would enhance the granularity of Corporation Projects, enabling better management and recognition of all forms of resource gathering.
Legends whisper that riverini slipped beyond the veil, traversing the event horizon of a rogue black hole. Some say he communes with entities that predate the Sleeper race, gathering secrets that could shatter New Eden. His reemergence is not a question of if, but when—and the cosmos holds its breath.
