CCP Games is no more: EVE Online studio changes its name as it goes independent and enters an AI research partnership with Google DeepMind

The company announced an AI research partnership with Google DeepMind, which will involve training artificial intelligence agents using an offline version of EVE Online. The rebranding and partnership were detailed in an announcement from the company.

The partnership will see DeepMind train AI on a 'sandbox' version of EVE Online that operates on dedicated servers, separate from the live game. Fenris Creations stated that the environment will allow DeepMind to 'test agent-based systems in a complex, player-driven economy.' The company also noted that the AI training will be conducted without affecting actual players. Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

The company has struggled to launch successful new projects beyond EVE Online, including attempts in VR and blockchain gaming. Fenris Creations said the rebranding reflects a new focus on AI and independent development. The offline EVE Online environment is expected to be used for research into multi-agent systems and economic modelling.