CCP Games, the developer behind the blockchain-based MMO EVE Frontier, has appointed Stefán Þórarinsson, a former economist at the Central Bank of Iceland, as its new Head of Economy. This strategic move aims to refine and legitimize the game’s virtual economy by applying real-world economic principles to its in-game financial systems.

Objectives for Virtual Economic Development

Þórarinsson’s role encompasses several key objectives:​

• Monetary Policy & Inflation: Analyzing how economic levers influence pricing, currency stability, and market behavior in a player-driven environment.

• Market Equilibrium & Trade Dynamics: Studying supply and demand fluctuations based on interactions between players and non-player characters (NPCs).

• Assets & Currency Flows: Assessing the integration of digital assets and their impact on in-game economic activities.

• Behavioral Economics in Virtual Worlds: Gathering data on player decision-making, financial speculation, and economic adaptation.

Commitment to a Player-Driven Economy

Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, emphasized the company’s dedication to creating a truly open financial system within EVE Frontier. He stated that Þórarinsson’s expertise adds vital rigor to the game’s economic design, aiming to remove currency controls and foster emergent value systems that redefine virtual nation-building.

Building on a Legacy of Economic Research

This appointment continues CCP Games’ tradition of integrating economic research into game development. Previously, the company collaborated with Dr. Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, whose foundational work contributed significantly to the economic models in EVE Online. With Þórarinsson’s leadership, EVE Frontier seeks to set new standards for structuring, regulating, and understanding virtual economies.

Conclusion

By enlisting a seasoned economist to oversee its virtual economy, EVE Frontier demonstrates a commitment to creating a complex and realistic economic environment. This initiative not only enhances the in-game experience but also offers valuable insights into the intersection of digital and real-world financial systems.​