New Games 919

Arriving at the Yulai system, I can only gasp at the sight that greets me: a graveyard of massive capital ships lies beyond the ruins of the former CONCORD (Consolidated Cooperation and Relations Command) Bureau. Both were the result of a surprise attack at the beginning of the Empyrean Age, when rogue Minmatar Elders invaded Amarr Empire territory while simultaneously attempting to incapacitate CONCORD, a neutral organization tasked with maintaining order throughout New Eden.

CONCORD CEO Panaja Paukonsuo, an intense woman who radiates calm in even the worst situations, currently works out of new Bureau offices that are still under construction in an undisclosed part of the Yulai system. I’m here to discuss CONCORD’s decision to open planetary resources for harvesting by capsuleers (player-controlled pilots). You can now establish colonies on planet surfaces and task your colonists with collecting, refining, and processing raw materials for sale or for use in creating important commodities.

Seeking Maximum ISK

“It’s time,” Paukonsuo says matter-of-factly. “All four factions wholeheartedly support this decision, which could revolutionize the manufacturing and distribution of goods throughout New Eden. There are more than 60,000 planets available, and no two are alike in terms of type and location of raw materials.”

So what does this mean for the average capsuleer? I wonder. “Capsuleers can now scan planets for resources that match their needs,” Paukonsuo explains. “When they find a planet they want, they place a Command Center on its surface, hopefully in a spot that ensures maximum efficiency when they begin installing extractors and processors and placing junction and storage nodes.”

She continues: “If they’re smart with their planning, they should have a highly-efficient network that will earn as much ISK [InterStellar Kredits] as they can squeeze out of the operation. New skills will let them push production even further. Of course, the greatest reward comes out of mining resources on planets in low-security sectors, where fighting will also be the fiercest.” Paukonsuo offers a feline smile.

Law and Order

CONCORD has come a long way during its more than a century of existence. Some resent its ever-increasing scope of power and influence, but it has been successful in keeping New Eden from devolving into complete anarchy. Even that surprise Minmatar attack couldn’t completely neutralize CONCORD, although the organization was dealt a deadly enough blow that it couldn’t stop the Gallente and Caldari from taking advantage of the Minmatar-Amarr fighting to launch their own war.

Paukonsuo nods as I run down those recent events, her expression as icy as it’s ever been. “CONCORD’s main objective remains unchanged,” she explains. “While we cannot stop all hostilities throughout New Eden, we will continue to clamp down on widespread conflict that could endanger trade routes. After all, how does our latest decision serve anyone if it becomes impossible to move resources and finished goods off planets?”

She excuses herself. “My time allotted to this interview is up,” she says. That’s fine: it’s time for me to discover what new riches lie among the stars.