An MMO on home consoles set in the same universe as EVE Online

Feb 8, 2013 01:41 GMT  ·  By

What we know: Dust 514 is one of the most ambitious MMO projects of this year and the game that might show how a first person-shooter can be seamlessly integrated into an MMO structure, enhancing both experiences.

Dust 514 is a first-person massive multiplayer shooter, with players asked to move around large maps, spot targets, find the best way to attack and then execute their plan in the face of enemy fire.

The game allows players to become essentially immortal ground-based soldiers, fighting forever on a variety of planets in order to achieve objectives dictated by pilots in the five factions of EVE Online.

Developer CCP promises deep customization for the characters, interesting game modes and an overall structure that focuses on the skill of the player rather than on the equipment and weapons he is using.

Dust 514 will be available exclusively on the PlayStation 3, probably during late spring or early summer.

The game will also get a PlayStation Vita companion app, which will allow gamers to stay connected to it when they are away from their console.

The CCP MMO will use a free-to-play business model and will allow gamers to use real-world money to purchase mainly cosmetic enhancements while making the entire game available to all those interested.

Why it matters: Dust 514 is odd for two reasons: it’s a free-to-play MMO that is running only on a home console and it is linked to another MMO, EVE Online, that’s only offered on the PC.

If the game works on launch and is even moderately successful, it might mean that there are simple ways for other titles to bridge the gap between the PC and home consoles in innovative ways, even if cross play is not possible.

The full Incoming 2013 series of articles can be read on Softpedia right here.